Da Dona
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- Dec 16, 2025
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About 250 Ugandans who worked in support of U.S.-led operations in Iraq and Afghanistan have signed a petition seeking compensation for what they describe as years of underpayment by private American security contractors.
The petition is expected to be submitted to the U.S. government, with the workers demanding recovery of wages they claim were unlawfully withheld.
The returnees allege that although recruitment documents indicated they would earn salaries exceeding $5,000 per month, many ended up receiving between $350 and $1,000 monthly, with some reportedly earning as little as $400. They claim the disparity emerged after arriving in their duty stations, where they were allegedly compelled to sign new contracts with less favorable terms.
The workers, organized under the Special Returnees Association (SRA), say thousands of Ugandans were recruited between 2005 and recent years by private security firms contracted by the U.S. Department of Defense to provide security services in Iraq and Afghanistan. The association argues that the salaries paid were significantly lower than those outlined in authorization documents issued before deployment.
The compensation campaign is not new. For several years, returnees have been pressing for redress, arguing that they risked their lives protecting U.S. installations and personnel in conflict zones but were denied the benefits and remuneration they were promised. Some former workers have also complained about lack of medical support after returning home despite assurances of post-service care.
The petition marks the latest effort by the former contractors to secure compensation from the U.S. government and the private firms involved. The returnees hope Washington will intervene and facilitate the recovery of their alleged unpaid wages.
Source: NTV Uganda
