Bushenyi police arrest two over alleged human trafficking

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Territorial police in Bushenyi District have arrested two suspects in connection with alleged human trafficking targeting young women.

The suspects have been identified as Innocent Agaba, 24, a resident of Nyakashaaru cell in Rubirizi district, and Gertrude Nayebare, 24, a resident of Mpoma II cell, Kajuzya parish, Nkungu subcounty in Kazo district.

According to police, preliminary investigations indicate that the suspects allegedly lured young women with fake job offers at “Nature’s Way” in Ishaka town.

The victims, mostly senior four leavers, were reportedly confined, closely monitored, and forced to recruit other young women, as well as solicit money from their relatives.

SP Apollo Tayebwa, the Greater Bushenyi Regional Police public relations officer, said one of the victims is alleged to have paid the suspects sh120,000, while police are still verifying other alleged payments.

He added that all ten victims are female, aged between 18 and 22, and have now been safely returned to their homes.

“We have successfully arrested two suspects in connection with alleged human trafficking. Preliminary findings show that they lured young women with fake job promises, confined them, and forced them to recruit others and solicit money from relatives,” Tayebwa said.

“We strongly caution the public, especially youths, parents, and guardians, to always verify job offers and report any suspicious recruitment activities to the nearest police station or local authorities,” he added.

Faith Amanya Betega, the Bushenyi district gender officer, said human trafficking cases are on the rise in the district.

“We have seen a surge in human trafficking cases in Kyamuhunga subcounty, Kizinda-Kigoma town council, Ishaka division and other areas, where young girls are trafficked from their homes and forced to work in bars,” she said.

“To address this, we have partnered with NGOs such as Willow International, the British Council, and the Better Migration Management (BMM) programme to build the capacity of local leaders in areas including Kyamuhunga town council, Kigoma-Kizinda, Rwentuura town council, and Ruhumuro.

These trainings equip leaders to educate communities on preventing trafficking, strengthen local governance, and support victims,” she added.