Wakiso, Uganda: Police in Wakiso District have rescued 18 children and arrested two suspects following an operation linked to an alleged human trafficking case in Kakunyu Village, Wakiso Town Council.
The operation was conducted on Saturday, June 21, after Local Council leaders alerted police about a residential house that was reportedly accommodating an unusually large number of young children under suspicious circumstances.
According to a statement issued by Police spokesperson ACP Kituuma Rusoke during the weekly security briefing at Naguru Police Headquarters on Monday, officers from Namusera Police Post responded to the information and carried out a joint operation with local leaders and community members.
During the operation, police found 18 juveniles, comprising nine boys and nine girls aged between three and 12 years, living in two rooms.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the children were allegedly transported from Luwero and Masindi districts under circumstances that remain unclear.
Police subsequently arrested two suspects identified as Mulindwa George, 33, a teacher by profession, and Babirye Madinah, 24, a casual worker.
“The suspects are under investigation for alleged trafficking in persons and related offences,” ACP Kituuma said, adding that the rescued children have since been placed under protective care as investigations continue.
Police said efforts are underway to trace the parents and guardians of the children in collaboration with child protection agencies and other relevant social welfare institutions.
Authorities have also launched inquiries to establish how the children were recruited, transported and accommodated in Wakiso.
ACP Kituuma warned the public against engaging in child trafficking and exploitation, describing the practice as a serious criminal offence.
He urged citizens to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities involving children to police and local authorities.
“Parents or guardians with missing children under unclear circumstances are encouraged to immediately report to the nearest police station for assistance and possible linkage to this ongoing investigation,” he said.
The case has been registered at Wakiso Police as investigations into the alleged trafficking network continue.
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