The Police reported to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Jane Frances Abodo, a decrease in reported human trafficking cases nationwide compared to 2022. Commissioner of Police Julius Twinomujuni stated that while 1,200 cases were recorded countrywide in 2022, the annual crime report for 2023, soon to be released, shows a significant drop to 106 cases.
Twinomujuni attributed this decline to improved coordination among agencies tasked with combating crime, including the police, judiciary, prisons, and development partners. He made these remarks during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) supporting the implementation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for investigating and prosecuting human trafficking cases in Uganda at the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions in Kampala.
The SOPs aim to facilitate victim participation in investigations, prosecutions, and court proceedings, involving collaboration between the DPP’s office, CIVIPOL, and the Human Trafficking Institute. Through the MOU, the DPP’s office will receive 10,000 Euros (41.4 Million Uganda Shillings) to support victim participation in legal processes, with an additional 2,250 Euros allocated for operationalizing and digitalizing SOPs and procuring equipment for law enforcement agencies.
Under the MOU, the DPP’s office will lead coordination efforts, contribute to guideline development, and provide comprehensive support to victims throughout legal proceedings. The aim is to address the lack of adequate support for trafficking victims, with only 30 percent currently assisted by civil society organizations. The remaining 70 percent often face challenges, including insufficient support during court appearances.
To address these challenges, the DPP’s office, the Human Trafficking Institute, and CIVIPOL will provide transport, food, accommodation, psycho-social care, legal counseling, and other necessary services for victim-witnesses of human trafficking. Initially, the initiative will support eight cases at the International Crimes Division of the High Court, with plans for expansion based on funding availability.
Minister for Internal Affairs, Maj Gen Kahinda Otafiire, previously highlighted the grim reality of human trafficking, citing cases of Ugandan girls being sold for organ harvesting and even being fed to crocodiles in foreign countries. One tragic case involved Milly Namazzi, whose body was found in Egypt after being trafficked from Uganda to Saudi Arabia for work.
The signing of the MOU was witnessed by representatives from the Human Trafficking Institute, GIZ, and CIVIPOL, signaling a collaborative effort to combat human trafficking and support victims in Uganda.
