Martha Nakayiza
The CID Anti-Human Trafficking Department in coordination with the Territorial Police in Bulenga have today arrested a one Paul Alitia of Nakuwadde village in Wakiso district, for suspected child trafficking.
On Friday 19th May, 2023 around 8pm, Police was tipped off on suspicious activities involving 13 children in the home of the suspect.
The task team swiftly mounted an intelligence led operation and indeed 13 children aged between 8 an 17 were found paraded in one room.
Preliminary findings indicate that the victims were lured with school bursaries to various schools before being guided to the suspect’s home.
The 13 victims include; Nalutaya Olivia, from Namungona; Okwiyo Richard-17, Bashir Ahmed- 16, Nangoma Angella-14, Nanfuka Halima-10, Nakyanzi Rahma – 8, Nantume Egesa- 12, Nampijja Shanita- 11, Natasha Hajara-7, Mbabazi Hanisha-8, Birungi Aisha-12, Nabanja Jovia- 14, Kiteta Pius-11.
All the 13 have been placed under a shelter subject to counselling and rehabilitation pending completion of inquiries and identification of their parents.
Although the suspect claims that the victims are relatives, to his wife, there was no proof to that effect.
Enanga revealed that all the children will be re-united with their parents and suspect arraigned to court on charges of Child trafficking.
In a related incidence, territorial police in Greater Masaka Bushenyi Region and Sheema, arrested a taxi driver, identified as Byaruhanga Moses, on the 15 May,2023, while transporting 12 children, under suspicious circumstances.
“As the Joint Security Agencies, we remain dedicated and reaffirm our commitment in combatting networks of child trafficking to help mitigate the risks of child abuse, torture and exploitation. We further urge everyone with information about a potential child trafficking situation, to call the Anti-Human Trafficking Desk at CID Headquarters on 0713-881798.” Asserted Enanga.
According to the 2022 Uganda Police Crime report, 532 cases of child trafficking were registered in 2022 compared to 317 cases recorded in 2021. In 2020, 96 Ugandan women, mostly children and youth, were stopped at Nairobi’s international airport in January en route to the United Arab Emirates for work
