Nairobi, Kenya — August 27, 2026

Migrant Workers' Voice (MWV) has been awarded the Humanitarian NGO of the Year 2026 at the Wezesha Awards, a regional recognition platform organised by Kenya's Wezesha Group that celebrates excellence in youth leadership, civic engagement, and community transformation across Africa.

The award was presented during the official ceremony on 8th August 2026 at the PrideInn Plaza Hotel, Signature Mall, Mombasa Road, Nairobi, under this year's theme:

"Youth Power: Protecting Democratic Gains, Advancing Justice and Promoting Open Governance."

MWV, headquartered in Kampala, Uganda, was recognised for its sustained humanitarian work in defending the rights of migrant workers, delivering emergency response and repatriation support, providing free legal aid to victims of trafficking and labour exploitation, and running community-based development programmes that empower returning migrants and their families.

Mr. Kayonde Abdallah, Executive Director of Migrant Workers' Voice, accepted the award on behalf of the organisation and its beneficiaries.

"This recognition is not about us it is about the thousands of migrant workers whose voices we amplify, the families we serve, and the young leaders who stand with us in the fight for justice and dignity," Mr. Kayonde said. "We remain committed to ensuring that every Ugandan who leaves in search of opportunity returns with honour, or is protected when things go wrong."

The Wezesha Awards 2026 brought together government representatives, private sector leaders, development partners, civil society organisations, and youth advocates to celebrate individuals and institutions driving social impact across the continent. The organisers emphasised that young people are not merely future leaders but active change-makers today, capable of strengthening democracy, advancing justice, and promoting transparent and inclusive governance.

MWV's win marks a significant milestone for Uganda's civil society sector and highlights the critical role of migrant-focused organisations in shaping regional migration governance, human rights protection, and humanitarian response.

The organisation has pledged to use the recognition to deepen its advocacy, expand its emergency assistance programmes, and strengthen partnerships with governments, regional bodies, and development actors to ensure safer, more dignified migration for all.

Migrant Workers' Voice

www.migrantworkersvoice.org