The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Lady Justice Jane Frances Abodo, has reaffirmed Uganda’s dedication to eradicating human trafficking, describing it as a "silent global pandemic" that demands a coordinated, multi-sectoral response.
Speaking at the opening of the Second National Workshop on Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for Investigating and Prosecuting Cases of Trafficking in Persons (TiP), Abodo delivered authoritative and candid remarks, emphasizing the urgent need for action against this evolving crime.
Drawing attention to the human element of trafficking, Abodo stated, “The offence doesn’t exist in the abstract. It’s done by people they know.”
She highlighted the amorphous and changing nature of trafficking, stressing that this complexity requires coordinated and adaptive approaches.
She commended the workshop’s organizers for assembling key institutions, noting that collaboration is vital to addressing the multifaceted problem.
“The problem is multifaceted, and so we need a multi-sectoral response,” she said.
Abodo revealed alarming statistics, noting that over 1,200 trafficking cases were registered in 2023, with 1,037 victims identified between January and October 2024.
She emphasized the importance of reliable data, stating, “Data is important; it must be accurate and reliable.”
The DPP lauded efforts in operation, prevention, information sharing, and dissemination but urged for continuous improvement.
“The SOPs give a compass to the framework implementation,” she added, emphasizing the significance of partnerships with organizations like CIVIPOL and UNODC in shaping tools and strategies.
Addressing gaps in the legal framework, Abodo pointed out Uganda’s lack of a witness protection law, which complicates efforts to safeguard key witnesses, often the victims themselves.
“We should look at protection,” she remarked, urging for stronger witness protection mechanisms.
She further called for testing existing laws in courts and amending them where necessary to ensure they adequately serve justice.
“We must stop the inaction and make it unsafe for criminals,” she declared, advocating for a more aggressive approach to law enforcement.
Abodo described the SOPs as a symbol of Uganda’s unwavering commitment to combating human trafficking.
“This symbolizes our commitment to ending trafficking of persons,” she said, highlighting the need to raise awareness, empower communities, and strengthen the legal framework.
She expressed gratitude to all partners involved in the development and implementation of the SOPs, noting, “I wish to thank all the partners for not only supporting the development of the SOPs but also their implementation.”
Abodo urged all stakeholders to intensify their efforts against trafficking.
“We must stop the inaction,” she asserted.
Her remarks underscored a collective call to make Uganda a hostile environment for traffickers through enhanced laws, community empowerment, and coordinated action.
The workshop continues to serve as a platform for developing practical tools and strengthening partnerships aimed at addressing one of the world’s most pressing crimes.
