Govt Committed to Guard Ugandans Against Human Trafficking

Govt Committed to Guard Ugandans Against Human Trafficking

By Our Reporter

The Permanent Secretary Ministry of Internal Affairs, Lt. Gen. Joseph Musanyufu has said government is determined to protect all Ugandans against human trafficking.

Musanyufu made the remarks during the commemoration of World International Day Against Trafficking in Persons (TIP) that was marked on Sunday

The celebrations held at Kabira Country Club began with a solidarity walk from the National Museum, geared at creating awareness about human trafficking.

This year’s campaigns for the World Day Against Trafficking are being conducted under the theme, “Reach Every Victim of Trafficking, Leave No One Behind.”   Speaking at the event, Musanyufu who represented the Minister of Internal Affairs, Maj Gen. Kahinda Otaffire said the ministry is undertaking several efforts to fight TIP through sensitization campaigns that aim at creating awareness and the ministry is to ensure that protection of each citizen against such vices as the ministry mandate directs them. 

Musanyufu acknowledged that Uganda continues to be a destination and source for human trafficking, noting that this is a clear indication that the challenge is not only internal but cuts across borders.

However, he noted that through a number of law and regulations, government has been able to register success in the fight against human trafficking. He said that what remains is for law enforcement officers to do their work and implement them.

“Increased implementation of Prevention of Human Trafficking Act has led to significance positive strides; the police, prosecutors, government ministries, departments and civil society organisations have all worked together to ensure that we fight this and have achievements and gains. So, these coupled with awareness campaigns, and trainings conducted especially for police officers and investigators and prosecutors are now more familiar on how to handle the cases involving human trafficking. “ Musanyufu said.

CP Julius Twinomujuni, the national coordinator against human trafficking said recent statistics indicate that 55.7% are adults while 44.3% are children, with domestic trafficking accounting for 89.3% of all instances, while international trafficking accounts for 10.7%.

Racheal Bikhole, the assistant Director Public Prosecution (DPP), said that her office has taken positive strides in prosecuting human trafficking cases.

She noted that in 2022, the office registered 73 convictions compared to 30 in the previous year.

Bikhole highlighted that findings have indicated that TIP is financing acts of terrorism in the country and also in the region and that it is the moral reason the DPP is handling the crime seriously.

She revealed that as the office of DPP, they are ensuring that the traffickers are brought to account and punished for their crimes to ensure that the suffering of survivors is not only redressed but also to stop continuous operations of traffickers.

“The office of the DPP is committed to pursuing justice for survivors and accountability for traffickers. It is important to reach and rescue every victim of exploitation, but if the traffickers remain unpunished, they will find new victims to exploit.” Bikhole said.

The ceremony was supported by the Better Migration Management (BMM) Programme, funded by European Union International Partnership and the German Embassy in Uganda.