The Ministry of Internal Affairs has trained key stakeholders in Mayuge District on the identification, protection and referral of victims of trafficking in persons as authorities step up efforts to combat the growing vice.
The training aimed to equip participants with knowledge, information and communication materials to sensitise communities on preventing human trafficking, protecting victims and strengthening partnerships in the fight against the crime.
Participants were also trained on the importance of financial investigations in trafficking cases, identifying victims, making referrals in line with the National Referral Guidelines, and improving coordination among institutions involved in supporting vulnerable migrants.
The workshop comes after a report indicated that Mayuge District has recorded the highest number of human trafficking victims in the Busoga East region.
Memory Rukuna, an official from the Ministry of Internal Affairs, told participants that investigations had established that Mayuge has the highest number of trafficking victims compared to neighbouring districts including Iganga, Bugiri, Bugweri, Namutumba and Namayingo.
He attributed the high numbers to several factors, including false promises of employment, educational opportunities and widespread poverty.
“There are organisations that come into this district and promise people employment opportunities and education for their children. We have come to share information on how we can fight this vice in Mayuge,” Rukuna said.
Rukuna explained that Mayuge’s vulnerability is partly linked to its geographical location, including its proximity to water bodies, as well as the presence of organisations that allegedly lure unsuspecting victims with promises of jobs and education.
He said some victims are later exploited or transported outside the country under false pretences.
The training brought together representatives from the police Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID), the Directorate of Internal Security Organisation (DISO), the Office of the Resident District Commissioner, local government leaders, religious leaders, civil society organisations and other stakeholders.
The meeting was held at Travellers’ Inn Guest Hotel in Budebela Zone, Mayuge Town Council.
Mayuge District Council Speaker Nelson Wandera acknowledged that the district continues to register a high number of trafficking cases and called for joint efforts among stakeholders to address the challenge.
“We need collective responsibility from all stakeholders to fight this vice and bring it under control,” Wandera said.
Lazaro Magezi, the Assistant Resident District Commissioner of Mayuge District, said some trafficking cases are also linked to parental negligence, where abandoned children become more vulnerable to exploitation.
He urged families and communities to take greater responsibility in protecting children and reporting suspicious activities to authorities.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs said strengthening community awareness, improving victim identification and enhancing coordination among stakeholders remain key strategies in combating trafficking in persons.