Rwenzori East and Kasese territorial police have apprehended two individuals involved in the trafficking of teenagers. The suspects, identified as Shafik Muhindo, a 21-year-old supervisor at Kasanda Sugar Company, and Bernard Masereka, a 19-year-old boda boda rider, are currently in police custody.
According to SCP Fred Enanga, the police spokesperson, the incident occurred on September 9, 2023, when a boda boda rider picked up Ferguson Mumbere from Kasese Taxi Park, subsequently causing his disappearance. Upon investigation and the subsequent arrest of the rider, it was revealed that he had been hired by Shafik Muhindo to recruit teenagers and young adults, aged 14-18, as casual laborers in a sugar factory located in Kasanda district.
Further investigations led to the arrest of Muhindo on October 10, 2023, in Kilembe, Kasese. Muhindo admitted to having recruited 24 children under the directions of a Kasanda Sugar Factory manager known as Emma. Emma allegedly hires vehicles from Kasese to transport the children, with the drivers being paid upon arrival at the sugar factory.
Efforts are currently underway to locate and recover Ferguson Mumbere, a 15-year-old resident of Katadoba cell, central division in Kasese district.
The police are working diligently to bring justice to those involved in this heinous act of child trafficking.
Authorities urge anyone with relevant information regarding this case or similar incidents to come forward and assist with the ongoing investigation.