Police in Mayuge District rescued 83 children from suspected traffickers who had confined them in a house in Wabulungu village, Magamaga Town Council. The children, aged between five and 16 years, were reportedly picked up from Bugiri, Iganga, Mayuge, and Kamuli districts.
The Mayuge District Police Commander, Ms. Agnes Aanyu, highlighted the deplorable living conditions of the children, most of whom appeared emaciated. Concerned residents tipped off the police, leading to their rescue.
Ms. Aanyu disclosed that 40-year-old Justine Namugere, allegedly promising scholarships through her organization NAMU Mission-Uganda, was arrested in connection with the trafficking. Ms. Namugere defended her organization’s legitimacy but admitted to picking up children for educational purposes.
However, the Mayuge deputy RDC, Mr. Hamis Kiganira, dismissed Ms. Namugere’s claims, emphasizing the availability of affordable schools in the area. He warned of the ongoing problem of child trafficking, particularly in sub-counties bordering water bodies, where children are sometimes trafficked for rebel activities.
Despite challenges, security efforts led by the RDC’s office have been intensified to combat child trafficking in the region.
