Uganda raises red flag over trafficking of girls to Kenya

Uganda authorities have accused Kenya of playing a key role in the trafficking of teenage girls seeking foreign employment.

High Commissioner to Kenya Phoebe Otala said last week that many girls sneak into Kenya but end up "dumped" at the JKIA by cartels that con them after lying about helping them to find jobs.

Otala said the 15 to 19-year-olds arrive through the Rwakaka, Buka, Malaba and Busia boarders with hopes of securing employment in Oman.

"We have intelligence that these girls are kept somewhere in Limuru before they are transported to the JKIA for various destinations. Those who cannot make it [for various reasons], or who could not secure visas, are dumped at the airport and later arrested and kept in cells," Otala said.

The High Commissioner further said that Ugandan authorities are often forced to part with lots of money to secure the freedom of these girls yet the problem seems to be escalating.

"We are worried about this trend and the heavy penalties imposed on these girls. The two countries need to look for better ways to seal the porous borders so we can redeem the dignity of these young girls," she said.

Otala also accused Kenyan authorities of making it difficult for Ugandan traders to do business in the country.

She said it is unfortunate that her country has opened doors to Kenyan traders at the border yet her countrymen are subjected to difficult environments.

"The EAC policy champions for free movement of goods and people. We know we have had small hiccups on the boarders but Kenyan authorities go to the extent of harassing and arresting traders from Uganda."

Regarding illicit brews, Otara dismissed claims that a lot of what is manufactured in Uganda finds its way into Kenyan markets.

Otala said newly appointed Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Monica Juma should be praised for her efforts to ensure relationships among countries in the East African Community are revived.

She said Juma, Tourism CS Najib Balala and Trade's Adan Mohamed are also doing a commendable job.

Ababu Namwamba, the Chief Administrative Secretary at the Foreign Affairs ministry, however refuted Otara's claims saying Kenya has always opened her doors to Ugandans.

Ababu said President Museveni has served as Kenya's number one trading partner, resulting in a mutually beneficial relationship that cannot be disputed.

"Our focus on the antelope should not be lost while we chase the squirrel. Even President Uhuru Kenyatta has made it categorically clear that his second term will focus on afrocentric foreign policies which put Africa first."

Ababu said this means Uhuru's administration has opened doors to African country, so Uganda which he termed a "default neighbour" is no exception.

He added that the EAC summit held in Kampala revived the hope of bringing Tanzania on board as all parties agreed to quash "small matters" on boundaries to allow free trade.

Adopted from The Star