MASAKA, UGANDA: Twenty-two coordinators and staff of “Super Life Uganda” have been arrested in Masaka on charges of human trafficking, fraud and impersonation after promising youths lucrative jobs and investment opportunities in a fraudulent business scheme.
The suspects who are now in police custody at Masaka CPS include; Ayebazibwe Amon, Masiko Niclolas, Kamugisha Nicholas, Mugisha Nicholas, Abaho Denis, Akampulira Denis, Byaruhanga Ahamada, Byamukama Innocent, Atukwase Moreen and Arimiwera Immaculate.
Other are; Tusingwire Joseph, Kyohirwe Catherine, Gumaoshabe Mackline, Nishaba Mercy, Nuwahereza Apofia, Atuhaire Shadida, Ninzeyimana Vincent, Tulinawe Dinah, Turyahebwa Dickson, Agaba Ambrose and Arinaitwe Brenda.
Uganda Police Spokesman SCP Fred Enanga confirmed the arrest of the group in a security briefing today Morning at the forces’ headquarters in Naguru Kampala.
According to Enanga, preliminary findings indicate that Superlife Uganda staff targeted majorly S.4 and S.6 leavers, whom they introduced to their various packages through a fraudulent business scheme promising them to get rich quickly without a hassle.
Enanga explained that most of the victims were recruited from the Western districts of Ntungamo, Mbarara, Bushenyi, Kabale and Kiruhura, while others were from within the Greater Masaka area.
“So far, a total of 98 victims (27 females and 71 males) have recorded their statements, indicating how they were fleeced of their money through registration. Many are forced to rent cheap rooms in the slums, with the false hope of a lucrative job package,” Enanga explained.
“A search was conducted at their offices on Muteesa Plaza and several exhibits were recovered,” he added.
The development comes after nine staff of Alliance in Motion Uganda (AIM Global) were last month arrested in Masaka still on the same allegations of human trafficking and fraud, over 300 youths were found confined in a hotel Nyendo, a Masaka City suburb.
Police then reported that the victims had as well been promised jobs by Aim Global Uganda only to end up in crowded areas with their little savings swindles through the network marketing scheme.
Speaking of last month’s incident, the State Minister for Gender and Culture, Ms Peace Mutuuzo said the rescued youths were found stranded following empty promises by agents of Aim Global Uganda that they would find them “juicy jobs”.
The police publicist further reiterated the commitment of the joint security agencies carrying out these operations to ensure that such dubious groups of people are brought to books.
“We want to reaffirm our commitment to combatting trafficking in persons networks, to help mitigate the risks of labour exploitation. If you believe you have information about a potential trafficking situation, please call the Human Trafficking Desk at CID Headquarters on 0713-881798. All reports are confidential.”
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