Sadness has gripped Ugandans abroad after news emerged that Patricia Ayayo, a domestic worker who had spent years in Saudi Arabia, died suddenly after falling ill.
Friends say Ayayo had been unwell for several days before her condition worsened. She passed away before doctors could attend to her, leaving those who knew her struggling to come to terms with the loss.
Ayayo had lived and worked in Saudi Arabia for about seven years. She was among many Ugandans who leave home in search of better opportunities, hoping to support their families back home. Her friends say she had recently begun talking about returning to Uganda soon, a dream that now will never happen.
“She was full of life and kindness. Everyone here loved her. She worked so hard and always encouraged others not to give up,” said one of her colleagues in Riyadh.
Her death has triggered emotional reactions on social media, with many describing her as a determined woman who endured many challenges to give her family a better life.
According to people close to her, Ayayo had complained of chest pain and constant fatigue but brushed it off, thinking it was a minor illness. The exact cause of her death has not yet been confirmed.
Family members in Uganda have been informed and are appealing for assistance to bring her body back home for burial. Fellow Ugandans in Saudi Arabia have begun collecting money to help with the repatriation process.
Ayayo’s passing has reopened debate about the safety and welfare of Ugandans working in the Middle East. Labor rights activists are urging the government to review its labor export policies and ensure that migrant workers are protected from neglect and abuse.
Many Ugandans in the diaspora say her story is a painful reminder that life abroad is often much harder than it appears. Behind the smiles and success stories are workers who face long hours, loneliness, and limited access to medical care.
As the community mourns, friends describe Ayayo as a woman who “never lost hope,” even in difficult times. Her family says she will be remembered for her courage, generosity, and the sacrifices she made for those she loved.
