By Robert Segawa
In a significant operation, 22 trafficked children have been rescued by police and the Ministry of Internal Affairs in Busia. The victims, aged between 4 and 13 years, were being transported by two individuals to be received by two Kenyan nationals in Kenya. The rescue operation was carried out following coordinated efforts between Ugandan authorities and their Kenyan counterparts.
Speaking to the press at Police Headquarters in Nagguru, Kigenyi Derrick Basalirwa, the Deputy National Coordinator against Trafficking in Persons, confirmed the children’s ages and the circumstances of their trafficking. The suspects have been identified as Mirembe Monica, 32, a teacher at Ebenezer Children’s Center, and Christopher Katabalwa, a farmhand residing in Kasanga, Makindye Division. Other suspects include Jean Ambio Ambemba, 74, a director at Makisuli Sunrise Academy in Kenya, and Omlama Stephen, a teacher at the same institution.
In another case, 12 more children were rescued from the Mt. Moroto region in Napak District. The children had been trafficked by one Lolem Rapor Okwi, a local from the same district. The children were found on a Gateway bus, registration number UAU 398M, which was heading towards an unknown destination. The driver of the bus is still at large, and authorities have urged him to report to the nearest police station.
Basalirwa further urged parents and guardians to remain vigilant and be wary of individuals or groups offering bursaries to children, particularly ahead of the upcoming school term. He stressed the importance of safeguarding children from traffickers who exploit such opportunities for illegal purposes.
Authorities are continuing their investigations to bring the suspects to justice and ensure the safety of the rescued children.
