EDITOR
Police in Mbarara City Central Division have launched investigations into a human trafficking ring that exploited 63 individuals aged 17 to 30 under the pretext of offering them employment.
Twelve suspects have been arrested in connection with the scheme, which targeted victims from districts as far as Arua. It is alleged that the suspects lured victims to Mbarara City, promising job opportunities, and charged fees ranging from 120,000 to 1.5 million Ugandan shillings. Once the victims arrived, they were confined in rooms located in Kisenyi and Rwentondo cells in Kakoba Division.
Reports indicate that the suspects used the victims to lure their friends to join the company they claimed to represent. The victims were confined for periods ranging from one day to over 60 days before being rescued by the police.
The suspects are currently in police custody and face prosecution. Police are collaborating with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to ensure justice is served and to facilitate the reunification of the victims with their families.
SP Samson Kasasira, the Rwizi Region Police spokesperson, confirmed the ongoing investigations and emphasized the police’s commitment to addressing the issue of human trafficking.
Further inquiries into the matter are still underway.
