The Uganda Police Force reports that they have apprehended two individuals for their involvement in allegedly trafficking eight Sudanese individuals from South Darfur to Uganda.
The suspects have been identified as Maguek Machar, a South Sudanese refugee residing at Ocea Refugee Settlement in Madi-Okollo district, and Yousi Salih Barka Rahma, a 42-year-old resident of Tanganyika cell, Oli division in Arua City.
It has been established that, during their time in Juba, Maguek Machar convinced the victims’ family to relocate to Uganda and seek refuge. However, their journey was intercepted on October 4, 2023, around 9 AM, in Sinyanya village, Maaji Parish, Ukusijoni Sub county in Adjumani district.
They were traveling in a white Toyota Noah with the registration number SSD 532. The eight victims, Sana Siddige Ibrahim (48), Samar Tarig Adam Ali (27), Younies Tarig Adam Ali (23), Sabaa Tarig Adam Ali (21), Sabna Tarig Adam (17), Mustaga Tarig Adam Ali (15), Soru Tarig Adam Ali (12), and Moayed Tarig Adam Ali (10), had been trafficked from Nyala in South Darfur.
They embarked on this journey due to the conflict in their region and their pursuit of better education, medical services, and food in South Sudan or Uganda.
The victims have been handed over to the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) reception center in Adjumani for further assistance. The two suspects are now facing charges related to human trafficking.
The Uganda Police strongly condemn such activities that exploit vulnerable refugees. They remain committed to combating human trafficking networks and urge anyone with information about potential trafficking situations to report them to the nearest police station.
SCP Enanga Fred, Police Spokesperson October 11, 2023
