News
Police rescue 18 children, arrest two suspected traffickers
According to Kituuma, officers attached to Namusera Police Post received information from local council leaders that a house in the area was sheltering an unusually large number of young children.
Police spokesperson Rusoke Kituuma. (File photo)
By: Simon Masaba, Journalist @New Vision
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Police in Wakiso District have rescued 18 children and arrested two people suspected of being part of a human trafficking racket.
Speaking at Police Headquarters in Naguru today, Monday (June 22, 2026), police spokesperson Rusoke Kituuma said police officers in Wakiso registered a case of alleged trafficking in persons following the rescue operation conducted in Kakunyu Village, Wakiso Town Council.
According to Kituuma, officers attached to Namusera Police Post received information from local council leaders that a house in the area was sheltering an unusually large number of young children.
“In response, police working together with local leaders and residents conducted an operation at the premises,” he said.
The operation led to the rescue of 18 juveniles: nine boys and nine girls, who were found living in two dilapidated rooms under suspicious conditions.
Police said the children, estimated to be between three and 10 years old, had allegedly been transported from Luwero and Masindi districts under unclear circumstances.
Two suspects identified as George Mulindwa, 33, a teacher by profession, and Madina Babirye, 24, a casual labourer, were arrested.
“The suspects are currently in custody as investigations continue,” Kituuma said.
He added that the children remain under the care of authorities while efforts are being made to trace their parents and guardians.
The operation led to the rescue of 18 juveniles: nine boys and nine girls, who were found living in two dilapidated rooms under suspicious conditions.
Police said the children, estimated to be between three and 10 years old, had allegedly been transported from Luwero and Masindi districts under unclear circumstances.
Two suspects identified as George Mulindwa, 33, a teacher by profession, and Madina Babirye, 24, a casual labourer, were arrested.
“The suspects are currently in custody as investigations continue,” Kituuma said.
He added that the children remain under the care of authorities while efforts are being made to trace their parents and guardians.
“Any parent or guardian from Luwero or Masindi whose child may have been taken away should report to the nearest police station so that we can facilitate reunification,” he advised.
Kituuma strongly condemned child trafficking and warned individuals involved in the exploitation of children that they would face the full force of the law.
He praised local council leaders in Wakiso for promptly reporting the suspicious activity.
“The local leaders were instrumental in this operation. Effective law enforcement requires collaboration between the wananchi, local leaders and security agencies,” he said.
Kituuma said investigations are ongoing to establish the circumstances under which the children were brought to Wakiso and the purpose for which they were being kept.
Kituuma strongly condemned child trafficking and warned individuals involved in the exploitation of children that they would face the full force of the law.
He praised local council leaders in Wakiso for promptly reporting the suspicious activity.
“The local leaders were instrumental in this operation. Effective law enforcement requires collaboration between the wananchi, local leaders and security agencies,” he said.
Kituuma said investigations are ongoing to establish the circumstances under which the children were brought to Wakiso and the purpose for which they were being kept.