Human Trafficking Cases Surge in Uganda

Despite laws against human trafficking in Uganda, cases keep rising alarmingly.  

Despite existing laws criminalising human trafficking both within and outside Uganda, cases continue to rise alarmingly across the country.  

According to the Office of the Government Prosecutor, over 1,000 trafficking cases were registered in the last financial year. Jacquelyn Okui, the office spokesperson, confirmed these figures during a recent briefing.  
 
Barbara Nakijoba from a youth research organisation reports that most victims are trafficked domestically, with the northern and western regions being the most affected. Young people remain particularly vulnerable to these crimes.  
 
Anna Nabulya, a survivor, shared her harrowing experience of being lured into forced labour. Her testimony highlights how traffickers often target desperate youth with false job promises.  

 
The international community marked July 30th as World Day Against Trafficking in Persons to raise awareness. Juliet Nakyanzi, head of victim support organisations, emphasised that the problem requires urgent, coordinated action.  
 
Julius Twinomujuni, head of anti-trafficking at the Internal Affairs Ministry, revealed that many university students are being trafficked to Myanmar under false pretences of employment opportunities.  
  
Twinomujuni advised youth to thoroughly verify any overseas job offers, noting that many victims ignored warning signs in their desperation for work.  

The government continues to face criticism for inadequate enforcement of anti-trafficking laws as the number of victims grows. Civil society organisations are calling for stronger protections and better support systems for survivors.