Rédaction Africa Links 24 with The Observer
Published on 2024-03-21 01:51:10
The Ministry of Internal Affairs in Uganda has recently launched an investigation into the trafficking of 14 Burundian nationals for manual labor exploitation by Pieri Ndayisenga and Shaban Serungaya. The victims were promised lucrative job opportunities as gardeners and shepherds in Uganda but were deceived into believing that they would be paid regularly for their work. However, when they demanded their wages from their employer, a farmer in Uganda, they discovered that their money had already been paid to the traffickers.
Authorities have discovered that all 14 trafficked Burundians possessed mobile SIM cards registered under Ugandan names, suggesting possible identity theft and fraudulent registration practices. The investigation is ongoing to determine how non-Ugandans were able to obtain SIM cards registered under Ugandan identities.
In a separate incident, three individuals were apprehended for trafficking three Somali nationals with the intention of selling them into slavery in Libya. Daniel Gatikosh, a South Sudan national, admitted to trafficking the women from Somalia through Kenya to Uganda, where they were planning to be transported further to South Sudan, Sudan, and Libya for sale. One of the traffickers, Abudhi Khadir, disclosed that the women had paid them US$3,000 each and were going to be sold for more than $10,000.
It was revealed that some of the victims were targeted for forced labor, while others were at risk of being exploited for organ harvesting. Derrick Basalirwa Kigenyi, the deputy coordinator of the National Coordination Office Against Human Trafficking, emphasized the serious risks faced by trafficked individuals, including exploitation, slavery, and violence. The Ministry of Internal Affairs and law enforcement agencies are working diligently to combat human trafficking and hold perpetrators accountable for their crimes.
These incidents underscore the prevalence of human trafficking in Uganda and the need for continued vigilance and enforcement of anti-trafficking laws. The victims, who were lured under false pretenses, are now facing the harsh reality of exploitation and abuse at the hands of traffickers. It is imperative for authorities to investigate and prosecute those involved in these criminal activities to ensure justice for the victims and prevent future incidents of trafficking.
The fight against human trafficking requires collaboration between government agencies, law enforcement, and NGOs to protect vulnerable individuals, raise awareness, and hold traffickers accountable for their actions. By addressing the root causes of trafficking and providing support to victims, Uganda can work towards eradicating this heinous crime and creating a safer and more just society for all.
Read Original article on The Observer
