Gov’t Approves New Strategies to Counter Human Trafficking

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The Ministry of Internal Affairs, together with the Coordination Office for Prevention of Trafficking in Persons (COPTIP), has concluded new communication strategies that will enhance the fight against human trafficking.

CP Julius Twinomujuni, the National Coordinator of COPTIP, said the new strategies were approved by the National Task Force Committee against human trafficking in the Ministry of Internal Affairs during a meeting held on Saturday, August 11, 2023, at the Ministry’s offices in Kampala.

“The validated communication strategies will soon be launched and disseminated to different stakeholders, which will guide them in carrying out awareness campaigns against human trafficking and sensitising the public,” said CP Twinomujuni.

CP Twinomujuni described it as a major accomplishment established to aid in effectively engaging their target audience through well-crafted messages that align with stakeholders’ responsibilities.

He adds that the mission involves initiating, developing, implementing, and supporting national strategies to effectively counter and respond to human trafficking in the country.

According to CP Twinomujuni, this effort is in alignment with the World Day against human trafficking under the theme “Reach every victim and leave no one behind”.

A recent police report released in May 2023 revealed that human trafficking was on the rise across the country.

In July 2023, a total of 117 people who were being trafficked were rescued by the police in Wakiso district.

According to the 2022 human trafficking report released by COPTIP, a total of 338 people got involved in sex trafficking, 173 in labour trafficking, 78 in unspecified forms of trafficking, 526 in exploitation in Uganda, and 63 in exploitation abroad.