Kampala Police Rescue 9 Suspected Human Trafficking Victims

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Police in Kawempe, Kampala City, have arrested two suspects over allegations of human trafficking. They allegedly deceived the victims and extorted money from them by promising them well-paying jobs, but stopped selling medicinal plants in the city's suburbs.

When the police got wind of the racket, they stormed Empowered Consumerism Company, also known as Dream Visionaries International, in Kawempe and rescued nine victims recruited from Nakaseke, Nakasongola, Kayunga, Kaliro and Namayingo districts .

Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson Patrick Onyango said police arrested two suspects at the company's premises, including Ester Mbeiza, 23, a businesswoman and network manager of the company and resident of Kiganda zone in Kawempe division.

They also arrested Jenipher Birungi, 22, a manager of the company and a resident of Kawempe Division, Kampala District. They were still detained at Kawempe police station as investigations continued.

Onyango named the victims as Nassali Viola, 21, of Nakaseke district, Nakakooza Viola, 20, of Nakasongola, Namutebi Swabra, 20, tailor, Mutoni Agnes Kasule, 20, Bakor Shadia, 20, of Kayunga , Nanangwe Irene, 20, from Kayunga, Namuyumba Rebecca, 21, from Kaliro District, Najjemba Angel, 20, and Zahara Namugabwe, 20, from Namayingo District.

According to Onyango, the police established that the suspects used their business located on Kampala Road in the city center to recruit, harbor, maintain and use the victims to sell herbal products in Kampala and its environs.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the victims allegedly paid Sh150,000 as application fee to secure employment.

But after getting the purported job, the victims have to pay Sh1.3 million again, which is allegedly used to purchase herbal products to sell. “This money is paid to those in charge of the Kampala Road office and each victim is required to recruit at least two other people,” the statement said.

Onyango said the police had recorded statements from relevant witnesses and victims. He, however, said the police were yet to verify whether the company was registered with the Ministry of Gender, Labor and Social Development or whether it had a valid license.

Onyango warned the public against responding to anyone advertising a job, but should exercise due diligence to avoid being duped.

“All that glitters is gold, first ask yourself where the business is authentic,” he explained.