Adjumani, (UG): Two suspects are currently in custody at Adjumani CPS on allegations of trafficking eight Sudanese into Uganda, police spokesperson, Mr Fred Enanga revealed on Wednesday.
The suspects identified as Maguek Machar, a South Sudan refugee at Ocea Refugee Settlement in Madi-Okollo District and Yousi Salih Barka Rahma, a 42-year-old resident of Tanganyika cell, Oli, division in Arua City were arrested for aiding the victims cross into Uganda through the South Darfur Nyala in South Sudan.
According to Mr Enanga, the victims were convinced by Maguek to come to Uganda and settle as refugees only to be intercepted in Adjuman District while travelling in a Toyota Noah.
“We have established that while in Juba, the family was convinced by Maguek Machar, to come to Uganda and settle as refugees. They were however, intercepted on October 04, 2023, at around 9 am, at Sinyanya village, Maaji Parish, Ukusijoni Sub-county in Adjuman district, while carrying 8 victims in a Toyota Noah, white in colour, under registration number, SSD 532,” Mr Enanga said on Wednesday.
The police spokesperson identified the trafficked victims as; Sana Siddige Ibrahim, 48, Samar Tarig Adam Ali, 27, Younies Tarig Adam Ali, 23, Sabaa Tarig Adam Ali, 21, Sabna Tarig Adam, 17, Mustaga Tarig Adam Ali, 15, Soru Tarig Adam Ali, 12 and Moayed Tarig Adam Ali 10.
“They were trafficked from Nyala in South Darfur, due to the war and the search for better education, medical services and food in South Sudan, and or Uganda,” Mr Enanga said, adding that they were later handed over to the OPM reception centre in Adjuman for further management, while the two suspects are facing charges of trafficking in persons.
Police condemned the trafficking schemes which have become rampant at the borders of the country and called upon the public to reach out to police should have any information on potential similar cases.
“As the police, we do strongly condemn such schemes, where vulnerable refugees are taken advantage of and exploited. We continue to remain dedicated to combating such schemes. And therefore, urge anyone with information about a potential trafficking in persons situation, to report to the nearest police,” said Mr Enanga.
Cases of human trafficking increased by more than 400 per cent in the last five years according to data from official government repository.
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