The Ugandan community in the United Arab Emirates is mourning the death of Martha Nalukwago, a woman whose story has taken a heartbreaking twist after her own family allegedly refused to claim her body.
Martha, who had been working in Dubai’s Deira area for the past five years, reportedly died following an undisclosed illness. Her colleagues describe her as hardworking but say she faced many personal struggles while living away from home.
However, what has shocked many Ugandans is her family’s response. Relatives back home have allegedly declined to take responsibility for her burial, claiming that during her years abroad, Martha cut off communication and never offered financial support to anyone in the family. They also accuse her of blocking their contacts and distancing herself completely.
“She worked abroad for years but never sent a single coin or even called home. We cannot take care of her body now,” a family member reportedly said.
Fellow Ugandans in Dubai have been working to raise money to repatriate her remains to Uganda, but her family insists she should be buried in Dubai, citing financial and emotional reasons.
The case has reignited debate about the expectations placed on Ugandans working abroad. Many families at home assume their relatives earn large sums of money and expect regular financial support. In reality, most migrant workers face high living expenses, loans, and low wages that make saving or sending money home difficult.
Labor recruitment ads often promise attractive salaries — such as UGX 5 million for security jobs or around UGX 1 million for domestic work — leading families to believe their loved ones are well off. When those expectations go unmet, tensions and resentment often follow.
Martha’s story, now widely shared on social media, has stirred empathy and sadness among Ugandans both at home and abroad. Many have urged compassion, emphasizing that no matter the circumstances, every person deserves dignity in death.
“Even if she didn’t send money home, she was still someone’s daughter. She deserves respect,” one Ugandan in Dubai commented online.
As arrangements for her burial remain unresolved, Martha’s death serves as a somber reminder of the emotional, financial, and social pressures faced by migrant workers — people who often suffer in silence while trying to build better futures far from home.
