The CID Anti-Human Trafficking Department in coordination with the Territorial Police in Bulenga – Wakiso, have in custody, a one Paul Alitia of Nakuwadde village, Wakiso sub-county in Wakiso district, for suspected child trafficking. The facts gathered indicate that the police picked intelligence that there were about 13 children being harboured in the home of the suspect on the 19.05.2023 at around 8p, under suspicious grounds.
The task team immediately responded and found; 13 children aged 08 – 17 were found in the home. The victims were picked from various places by the suspect after promising to get for them school bursaries at various schools. Apart from Bashir Ahmed aged 16 and Kiteta Pius, aged 11, all the other 11 victims’ study in different schools within Nakuwadde village. It is surprising that none of the parents and guardians to the victims, knows where they were staying and or schooling. We also established that the home is not registered or licensed to operate as an NGOs or shelter home.
The 13 victims include; Nalutaya Olivia, from Namungona; Okwiyo Richard, a 17 year old student, at Bbira vocational, and from Arua; Bashir Ahmed, a 16 year old, male juvenile; Nangoma Angella, a 14 year old, female juvenile from Mbale; Nanfuka Halima, a 10 year old, female juvenile from Mbale; Nakyanzi Rahma, an 8 year old, female juvenile from Masaka; Nantume Egesa, a 12 year old , female juvenile; Nampijja Shanita, an 11 year old, female juvenile, Natasha Hajara, a 7 year old, female juvenile, Mbabazi Hanisha, an 8 year old, female juvenile; Birungi Aisha, a 12 year old, female juvenile, Nabanja Jovia, a 14 year old, female juvenile, and Kiteta Pius, an 11 year old, male juvenile. All the 13 victims, have been placed under a shelter home, pending completion of inquiries and identification of their parents. Although the suspect claims that the victims are relatives, to his wife, but there was no proof to that effect. The victims are undergoing counselling and rehabilitation.
In a separate development, the territorial police in Greater Masaka Bushenyi Region and Sheema, arrested a taxi driver, known as Byaruhanga Moses, on the 15.05.2023, while transporting 12 children, under suspicious circumstances. Upon arrest, he claimed he was taking the children for a prayer crusade at Bugongi cell, Bugongi, town council in Sheema, yet he picked them from the crusade for a joy ride around, without the knowledge and permission of their parents. He was arrested and taxi registration number UAU 647M impounded. The children who included; Akampwera Jordan, aged 10, Byamukama Zadoki, aged 11, Akampurira Ebon, aged 9; Baingana Philip, aged 12; Bainomugisha Briton, aged 10; Manzi Henry, aged 11; Tayebwa Alex, aged 9; Nesigamukama Freedom aged 11; Turinawe Edison, aged 13, Ahumuza Edrick aged 12; Nyamwiza Miracle aged 2 and Ampire Treasure, aged 7. All the children were re-united with their parents as inquiries continue.
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.
SCP Enanga Fred
Police Spokesperson
22nd May 2023
