Police Rescue 179 Victims in Kakiri Human Trafficking Bust

The Police in Kakiri have arrested a suspect on charges related to human trafficking.

On August 29, 23, at about 3:00 pm, police officers received intelligence regarding Nasuuna Harriet, a 38-year-old resident of Nampunge village in Kakiri sub-county, Wakiso district who was allegedly involved in the recruitment of people aged 18 and above, purportedly offering them opportunities for employment in Kenya.

At around 7:00 p.m., the suspect was taken into custody by the police to make a statement, according to SSP Patrick Onyango, PRO Kampala Metropolitan Police.

Upon investigation, it was discovered that she had gathered youths from various regions across Uganda, including Nansana, Kyengera, Bukomero, Butambala, Kasese, Fort Portal, Kyegegwa, and others, enticing them with promises of a better future.

Both male and female victims had congregated at Nasuuna Harriet’s residence in Nampunge village, Kakiri sub-county, Wakiso district, awaiting transportation to Nairobi, Kenya.

During interrogation, the suspect said that she had been assigned the task of recruiting energetic young men and women by a certain Mugenyi William, an 18-year-old resident of Kapeka Semuto in Nakaseke district.

Mugenyi, reportedly an S.3 student at Kapeka Secondary School, was allegedly acting as an agent on behalf of his sister, identified as Carol, associated with the Humble Company in Nairobi, Kenya.

Further investigation revealed that the victims were being lured into positions such as waiters, waitresses, supermarket attendants, and casual labourers at St. Mary’s Coffee Company in Kenya.

A total of 179 victims, comprising 99 males and 80 females, were rescued and taken to Kakiri police station for necessary arrangements to facilitate their return to their respective homes.

“The primary suspect remains in custody at Kakiri police station. Efforts are underway to arrest the individual known as Mugenyi William, to help with investigations into the matter,” said Onyango.