EDITOR
Authorities in Sheema District have detained Zubail Bwengye, 48, the Imam and director of Darul Uroom Markaz Faux LTD, on allegations of human trafficking. The arrest took place on November 11, 2024, in Kitagata Town Council, following a joint operation by residents, the education office, and the police.
Marcial Tumusiime, the Greater Bushenyi Police spokesperson, confirmed the arrest and identified Bwengye, a resident of Nyakabirizi Cell in Kibanga East Ward, Kitagata, as the primary suspect. Tumusiime also reported that seven young girls, between the ages of 3 and 11, were found under Bwengye’s care. The victims were identified as Nazitali Ninsiima (10), Mariam Gumoshabe (10), Zawadi Swahuma (11) Fatuma Ampaire (7), Mariam Mbabazi (3), Sumaji Akampurira (8), and Jesca Amida (5).
According to Zebede Mwijukye, the Sheema District Inspector of Schools, the children are from Sheema, Mbarara, and Ntungamo districts. Bwengye allegedly kept them in a small, two-room house. One room functioned as both a classroom and dormitory for the girls, while the second served as a bedroom for Bwengye and his wife.
Residents had raised concerns that the children, purportedly under Bwengye’s care to study the Qur’an, had been there for five months without attending any formal school. Inspector Mwijukye noted that the girls had been indoctrinated to reject formal education and adhere to strict clothing rules.
Authorities are continuing their investigations as they work to provide support and protection for the rescued children.
