Journey for Justice - Milly Namutamba
The journey of Namale Desire is a harrowing yet empowering story of a daughter’s relentless pursuit for justice following the tragic death of her mother, Milly Namutamba, while working as a migrant domestic worker in Saudi Arabia.
Here’s a detailed timeline and breakdown of her journey, from the moment her mother was recruited to the final landmark court ruling in her favor.
1. August 19, 2018 – Milly Namutamba's Departure to Saudi Arabia
Milly Namutamba, in perfect health, is recruited by Horeb Services Uganda Limited to work as a domestic worker in Saudi Arabia. Before her departure, she undergoes a medical check-up to ensure she is fit for employment.
Horeb Services, a licensed recruitment agency, facilitates her travel and employment contract. Initially, Milly and her daughter Desire stay in frequent communication, creating a sense of reassurance for the family back home.
2. February 2019 – Communication Breakdown
Five months into her stay in Saudi Arabia, Milly Namutamba suddenly goes silent. There is no communication between her and her daughter, Namale Desire. Concerned, Desire reaches out to family members, who advise her to contact Horeb Services directly.
3. 2019-2021 – Two Years of Silence and Searching
For two agonizing years, Namale Desire frequents the offices of Horeb Services to seek answers about her mother's whereabouts. The recruitment company remains non-responsive, failing to provide any updates or explanations about her mother’s status.
During this period, Desire’s distress grows as she and her family are left in the dark about Milly’s fate.
4. September 2022 – Discovery of Milly Namutamba’s Death
Desire’s uncle, through unknown sources, uncovers the devastating news: Milly Namutamba died in Saudi Arabia in early 2019. It’s a shocking revelation, especially since neither the recruitment agency nor any official body had communicated the death to the family.
Desire and her uncle confront Horeb Services, and the agency finally confirms Milly’s death. However, the agency fails to provide any formal documentation regarding the cause of death or details about her burial.
5. September 2022 – Meeting with Horeb Services
In a meeting with Horeb Services, the recruitment agency promises compensation for Milly’s death and offers to facilitate travel for some family members to Saudi Arabia to pay their final respects.
Despite these promises, no further communication or action is taken by Horeb Services. The family is once again left in limbo, with no answers or closure.
6. 2022 – Seeking Legal Help
Frustrated and grieving, Namale Desire and her family seek assistance from legal aid providers. They approach the Women’s Probono Initiative (WPI), which takes up their case.
Through legal channels, the family demands compensation, answers regarding the cause of death, and the repatriation of Milly’s remains.
WPI hosting a round table discussion on the Marriage Bill, 2024. With allies analyzing the Bill from a feminist perspective and documenting recommendations that can positively impact on gender equality. via Twitter
7. 2023 – Filing a Lawsuit Against Horeb Services
Namale Desire and her uncle Muyingo Mutasa Charles file a lawsuit against Horeb Services Uganda Limited and its director, Ezra Mugisha, for violating her mother's right to life. They seek justice not only for Milly’s death but also for the severe emotional toll and suffering caused by the agency’s negligence and lack of accountability.
The case, titled Namale & Another v Horeb Services Uganda Limited & Another (Miscellaneous Cause 21 of 2023), marks the start of Desire’s legal battle.
8. October 7, 2024 – The Landmark Court Ruling
After months of legal proceedings, the High Court of Uganda delivers a landmark ruling in favor of Namale Desire. The court finds Horeb Services Uganda Limited and its director liable for violating Milly Namutamba’s right to life.
Key highlights from the ruling include:
Horeb Services bore the primary responsibility for Milly’s safety and well-being, as her recruitment agency.
The court emphasized that the agency’s failure to monitor her status, communicate her death, or arrange for the repatriation of her remains constituted gross negligence.
The agency’s actions violated Article 22 of Uganda’s Constitution, which guarantees the right to life.
Horeb Services and its director are ordered to pay UGX 200,000,000 (54,409.80 USD) in general damages and UGX 50,000,000 (136,024.50 USD) in exemplary damages to Desire and her family.
This ruling sets a critical precedent for future cases involving migrant workers, underscoring the accountability of recruitment agencies.
9. The Aftermath – Moving Toward Change
For Namale Desire, the court ruling is a bittersweet victory. While the financial compensation and court decision bring a sense of justice, the absence of her mother and the painful memories of years of uncertainty and anguish remain.
Her victory, however, is not just for her family—it stands as a beacon of hope for other East African migrant workers and their families. The case serves as a warning to recruitment agencies and governments alike: migrant workers’ rights cannot be neglected, and those responsible for their well-being will be held accountable.
10. Support and Continued Advocacy
Throughout her journey, Tukole Empathy, the humanitarian arm of the Tukole Foundation, has stood with survivors and advocates for these migrant workers, returnees and their families. We are grateful and hopeful for daughters and sons like Namale Desire. We will continue offering emotional support and advocating for the migrant workers rights.
Tukole Empathy is committed to using this landmark ruling as a catalyst for broader change.
Expanding the network to collaborate with international organizations that focus on migrant workers’ rights.
Lobbying governments in East Africa and the Middle East to enforce stricter regulations on recruitment agencies and improve protections for migrant workers.
Providing education and legal resources for migrant workers and their families, ensuring they know their rights and have access to justice if those rights are violated.
Namale’s story, while tragic, symbolizes the beginning of a much-needed movement to hold recruitment agencies accountable and to transform the migration process into one that is safer and more just for all.
Namale Desire's journey is a powerful testament to the resilience of those who seek justice in the face of immense challenges. Through her determination and with the support of organizations like Tukole Empathy, migrant workers and their families now have a voice—and a chance for change. This case sets a new standard for accountability and human rights, marking the beginning of a broader movement to protect and empower East African migrant workers.
