The Independent Uganda: You get the Truth we Pay the Price
Busia, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | The police in Busia district is registering an increase in the number of cases of trafficked children.
According to statistics, more than 114 cases of child trafficking and disappearance have been reported from July to September 2021. The statistics indicate that in July, 43 children below 15 years were trafficked, 34 in August, and 37 in September.
Most of the cases were reported in the sub-counties of Buhehe, Masinya, Lunyo, both Western and Eastern divisions of Busia municipality among others.
Ivan Egesa Ochieno, Priscah Anyango, Jonan Makokha among other residents in Buhehe sub-county say that they have put in place a patrol team led by a member of the village local council committee to arrest whoever they find with a child and is not known to them in the area.
Chozira Namukemo, a mother to a 9-year-old boy says that her child disappeared last week but was rescued by residents in Buhehe sub-county and the suspect arrested. She appealed to the police to thoroughly investigate such cases and the culprits be arrested.
Fredrick Orengo, the Director Initiative for Peace and Development Uganda, a child protection non-government organization that operates in the area says that they are empowering local leaders and children with information to always question whoever they are uncertain of and is seen with a child.
Mathew Tusubira, the Busia Deputy Resident District Commissioner attributed the increased cases of child trafficking to several porous points which the suspects use to cross with the children to neighboring Kenya. He says that there’s a routine security patrol at the borderlines.
Didas Byaruhanga, the Busia District Police Commander says that they have embarked on community sensitization through local radio stations in the area. He has urged parents to remain vigilant and take charge of their children ahead of the festive season.
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