KAMPALA, UGANDA: The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Lieutenant General Musanyufu Joseph has urged Ugandans seeking employment abroad to do so only through legal and registered companies
“For those considering going abroad, it is essential to use reputable companies that we can trace back in the event of any problems. Such companies must be registered with the Ministry of Labor. This will help the government to track and provide assistance whenever needed.” Lt Gen Musanyufu stated.
This was during the launch of the 2022 National Report on countering trafficking in persons in Kampala, Uganda on 19th July 2023.
The report revealed an increase of 185.03% in the number of trafficking in-person cases reported to the police from 421 cases in 2021 to 1200 cases in 2022. The rise was attributed to the full reopening of the economy after the Covid-19 lockdown, along with intensified public awareness and sensitization campaigns against trafficking in persons.
Musanyufu also revealed that the Ministry is currently focusing on comprehensive public awareness and sensitization campaigns to combat trafficking in persons. He added that the ministry together with its partners, they are conducting capacity-building programs for investigators, prosecutors, and judicial officers, while also strengthening coordination among various stakeholders involved in combating this crime.
Mr Twinomujuni Julius, the National Coordinator for the Office for Prevention of Trafficking in Persons at the Ministry of Internal Affairs, revealed that Uganda is currently ranked tier two in terms of addressing trafficking in persons adding that, the country still has work to do to meet the required standards to eliminate this issue.
However, he unveiled a proposed concept to establish regional reception centres, which will serve as vital facilities to rehabilitate trafficking victims once they are rescued.
“The government operates a single reception centre at the CID police headquarters Kibuli, Kampala which is very small and when the centre becomes overwhelmed, civil societies step in to provide additional shelter and essential services for the victims,” he stated.
Furthermore, Twinomujuni said that there is a need to establish a victim’s fund to facilitate the repatriation and reintegration of trafficking victims back into their communities.
He stressed the importance of this fund, stating that one area that is of importance is the establishment of a victims’ fund. This fund will play a pivotal role in helping repatriate Ugandan victims, a critical aspect of their recovery.
“We have witnessed heartbreaking videos on social media where victims plead for help from the government. By enshrining this fund in the law, we will have a structured approach to extend much-needed assistance to these victims,” stated Twinomujuni.
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