Project rescue calls for increased funding to combat child trafficking

In the past, Project Rescue Children has undertaken significant initiatives in Uganda, including fully funding rescue operations and collaborating with law enforcement agencies across borders.

Project Rescue Children has called for increased support to law enforcement officers investigating cases of child trafficking.

The Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Project Rescue Children, Project Rescue Children, highlighted funding gaps among primary challenges affecting investigations and prosecution of cases relating to child trafficking.

“Governments across Africa lack the support, funding and equipment for law enforcement agencies, forcing law enforcement to rely on outside sources like NGOS to assist in training, funding and equipment,” he said.

Whittington's organisation dedicated to rescuing and protecting children from child trafficking and exploitation.

He insists that this must change with governments and all stakeholders budgeting more resources to provide necessary funds to equip law enforcement agencies to combat child trafficking and exploitation.

The organisation has also called for stricter penalties, which they say are critical in curbing the rising cases of child trafficking and exploitation across the country.

The Preventing Trafficking in Persons Act of 2009 prescribes up to 15 years’ imprisonment for offenses involving adult victims and up to life imprisonment for those involving child victims.

But Whittington says it is not deterrent enough.

"The pain and suffering survivors and victims of trafficking have is a life sentence," he said.

"The crime should be at least double the up to 15 years, to at least up to 30 years. This is a bigger deterrent than ‘up to 15 years’ which those convicted never get handed a full 15 years.”

According to the 2022 national report on countering trafficking in persons in Uganda 532 of the 1200 cases reported at police were related to child trafficking representing 44.3 percent.

Trafficking in adults was recorded at 668, representing 55.7 percent.

The 1,200 cases recorded in 2022 was an increase from the 421 cases reported in 2021 representing a 185.03 percent increase in the number of cases reported to Police primarily attributed to the full opening of the economy after the Covid-19 lockdown.

The Project Rescue Children boss also highlighted the need for increased education and public awareness campaigns as a crucial tool in prevention efforts.

To support these efforts, Project Rescue Children also plans to establish itself in Uganda formally, utilise social and local media for ongoing campaigns, and introduce education workshops to schools and communities.

Despite challenges, including past experiences of corruption and dishonesty, PRC remains committed to its mission of rescuing, rehabilitating, and protecting children in Uganda.

In the past, Project Rescue Children has undertaken significant initiatives in Uganda, including fully funding rescue operations and collaborating with law enforcement agencies across borders.

One notable operation involved the rescue of Ugandan citizens from a UN Refugee camp in Kenya and the arrest of traffickers.

Project Rescue Children has also conducted educational workshops in schools, donated child safety books, and collaborated with local detectives to guide investigations.