A total of 179 victims, comprising 99 males and 80 females, were rescued and taken to Kakiri police station for necessary arrangements to facilitate their return to their respective homes.
According to SSP Patrick Onyango, the Kampala Metropolitan Police Spokesperson, at about 3 p.m. on August 29, 2023, officers received intelligence regarding Nasuuna Harriet, a 38-year-old resident of Nampunge village in Kakiri sub-county, Wakiso district, who was allegedly involved in the recruitment of adults and offering them opportunities for employment in Kenya.
SSP Onyango said that at around 7:00 p.m., the suspect was taken into custody by the police to make a statement. Upon investigation, it was discovered that she had gathered youths from various regions across Uganda, including Nansana, Kyengera, Bukomero, Butambala, Kasese, Fort Portal, Kyegegwa, and others, enticing them with promises of a better future.
“Both male and female victims had congregated at Nasuuna Harriet’s residence in Nampunge village, Kakiri sub-county, Wakiso district, awaiting transportation to Nairobi, Kenya. During interrogation, the suspect said that she had been assigned the task of recruiting energetic young men and women by a certain Mugenyi William, an 18-year-old resident of Kapeka Semuto in Nakaseke district,” Onyango said.
Onyango further said that Mugenyi, a S.3 student at Kapeka Secondary School, was allegedly acting as an agent on behalf of his sister, identified as Carol, associated with the Humble Company in Nairobi, Kenya.
However, according to Onyango, further investigation revealed that the victims were being lured into positions such as waiters, waitresses, supermarket attendants, and casual labourers at St. Mary’s Coffee Company in Kenya.
The primary suspect remains in custody at Kakiri police station. Efforts are underway to arrest the individual known as Mugenyi William to help with investigations into the matter.
