The Uganda Police has rescued 83 children between the ages of 5 and 15 from a suspected trafficking scheme operating in Wabulugu Magamaga town council, located in the Mayuge district. This operation unveiled a disturbing scene at an unregistered Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) named Namu Mission Uganda.
During a press briefing held at the police headquarters in Naguru on February 5, 2024, Police spokesperson SCP Fred Enanga disclosed the details of the rescue operation. The children were found confined in a house under suspicious circumstances and were discovered under the control of three directors identified as Justine Namugenyi, Hakim Kimbowa, and Musa Kirevu.
Enanga emphasized that the rescued children are now under the care of the anti-human trafficking division. Efforts are underway, with the assistance of local councilors, to identify and reach out to the parents of these children in order to ascertain the circumstances that led to their placement in the hands of these individuals.
“The rescued children are now being managed by the anti- human trafficking division, with the help of the local councilors, we are going to locate the parents of these children and establish the circumstances under which the children ended up in the hands of those men,” Enanga said
Addressing the public, Enanga urged parents to remain vigilant and educate their children about the risks associated with interacting with strangers, particularly advising caution about taking shortcuts, especially for those attending day schools.
Regarding the offenders involved in the child trafficking scheme, Enanga stated that they will face charges as investigations continue to delve into the tragic incident. The seriousness of the situation highlights the ongoing need for vigilance and action against human trafficking within Uganda.
According to the Office of Monitoring and Combat Trafficking in Persons in Uganda, the country has witnessed a concerning trend over the past five years where human traffickers exploit both domestic and foreign victims for various purposes. Adults and children in Uganda have been subjected to labor trafficking in industries such as agriculture, fishing, mining, street vending, hospitality, and domestic work. The recent rescue operation serves as a stark reminder of the persistent challenges in combating human trafficking and the importance of continuous efforts to address this grave violation of human rights.
