Child trafficking outpaces adult cases in Uganda, report says

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The latest annual national report on countering trafficking in persons in Uganda highlights a concerning trend—children are being trafficked more than adults for labour and sex exploitation.

The 2023 report, prepared by the Coordination Office for Prevention of Trafficking in Persons (COPTIP), serves as an accountability measure, detailing the efforts and progress made under the mandate of section 21 of the Prevention of Trafficking in Persons Act 2009.

Lt. Gen. Joseph Musanyufu, the permanent secretary in the Ministry of Internal Affairs, presented the findings on July 12, 2024, noting a 16.16% decrease in the number of trafficking cases reported to police—from 1,200 cases in 2022 to 1,006 cases in 2023, according to a copy of the report seen by New Vision.

This reduction is attributed to increased public awareness, sensitisation campaigns, and enhanced enforcement by police and prosecutors.

The report underscores the alarming reality that children are more frequently trafficked than adults.

“In 2023, cases of child trafficking reached 510, representing 50.69% of the total, compared to 496 cases of adult trafficking, which accounted for 49.30%. These statistics highlight the vulnerability of children to exploitation for labour and sex,” reads excerpts of the report.

Police records reveal that of the 1,006 cases reported in 2023, 576 were submitted to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) for perusal and legal advice. Out of these, 331 cases proceeded to court.

However, the judicial outcomes were mixed: 11 cases resulted in convictions, one case was dismissed, and 319 cases remain pending.

Throughout the year, COPTIP focused on public awareness and sensitisation campaigns against trafficking, alongside capacity building for investigators, prosecutors, judicial officers, and other stakeholders.

Strengthening coordination among stakeholders was also a priority to enhance the overall effectiveness of anti-trafficking measures, according to the report.

Musanyufu expressed gratitude to the national task force, development partners, civil society organisations, the public, and the media for their continued support and efforts in combating human trafficking.

He urged all Ugandans to maintain their commitment to countering trafficking, emphasising the importance of creating a safer, orderly, and regular migration environment in Uganda.

As the report was released, Musanyufu reiterated the Ministry's dedication to ongoing public awareness and capacity-building efforts.

"In 2024, we will continue to enhance public awareness and sensitisation campaigns against trafficking in persons," he stated.

"Our focus will remain on building the capacities of investigators, prosecutors, judicial officers, and other stakeholders, and on strengthening coordination among all parties involved to ensure the punishment of offenders and protection of victims," he added.

Musanyufu concluded by calling on all Ugandans to stay vigilant and proactive in the fight against human trafficking.

"Together, we can make a significant impact in countering trafficking in persons," he said. "By working collectively, we can ensure a safer and more secure future for all Ugandans."

Types of exploitation

Labour exploitation was registered in 82 cases, sexual exploitation was registered in 302 cases and other forms of exploitation were registered in 84 cases. Most of the victims were exploited due to deception and fraud which were the most used means of recruitment.

The majority of the victims were recruited and transported to their respective destinations through deceptive promises like bursaries in most cases of child trafficking.

The perpetrators use fraudulent means including forgery of travel documents, giving false information to government authorities and using un-gazetted exit and entry routes along the porous borders of Uganda in case of transnational trafficking.