By Bondry Kilenga
The local leaders in Karamoja sub-region, in collaboration with security operatives have rejuvenated operations to crack whip on the individuals involved child trafficking.
This is in response to the escalating cases of child trafficking across the region.
As a result of these heightened operations, a taxi driver identified as Emmanuel Agena, was arrested on May 4, 2025, in connection with trafficking of children.
Michael Longole, the Mt Moroto regional police spokesperson said that Agena was found transporting 11 children, aged between 11 and 16 years on a taxi Reg. No. UBA 769P. The children are believed to be from Moroto and Napak districts.
Agena, who was arrested in Katakwi security checkpoint is currently in police custody on charges related to child trafficking.
Longole said that the police are conducting thorough investigations to determine the circumstances surrounding the transportation of the children and to identify potential accomplices.
In another incident, three children, aged between 10 and 13 years were intercepted in Kotido town, on Tuesday May 6, 2025 in an operation led the Kotido Resident District Commissioner, Charles Ichogor.
Ichogor said that the rescue operation was made possible through intelligence sharing and collaboration.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the minors are from Kotido district and were being trafficked to Mbale city as casual labourers.
Without disclosing details, Ichogor, said they had identified the suspected trafficker, adding that efforts are underway to arrest her.
He told our reporter that the security team has also summoned the father of the children, to explain circumstances under which the children left home.
Ichogor blamed the rise in child trafficking to parent’s failure to provide for their children, forcing them to the streets.
“The incident highlights joint security efforts in combating human trafficking which has led to many children from the Karamoja sub-region ending up on the streets of Soroti, Lira, Gulu, Kitgum and Kampala” explained Ichogor.
Children are exploited for various reasons. Girls are increasingly trafficked for sexual exploitation, as well as forced labor and other forms of abuse, including forced marriage while boys are primarily trafficked to look after cattle in Teso and work as security guards in Kampala.
In light of this incident, Ichogor warned masterminds of child trafficking to eschew the act or else face the wrath of the law, emphasizing the district’s commitment to combating the vice.
Local sources told Etoil A Karamoja that many trafficked children now disguise themselves as those going to fetch water or collect firewood, carrying jerrycans or food, to pass through security checkpoints unnoticed.
In Uganda, child trafficking is addressed under the Prevention of Trafficking in Persons Act, 2009.
If convicted, a person could be liable under sections of this Act, which criminalizes various forms of trafficking, including child trafficking and could face severe penalties, including imprisonment.
