The Ministry of Internal Affairs Coordination Office for Prevention of Human Trafficking (COPTIP) has partnered with German International Cooperation (GIZ) and Uganda Police to increase awareness of human trafficking in secondary schools in the Bukedi Region, which includes Palisa, Kibuku, Budaka, Butaleja, Tororo, and Busia districts.

The Commissioner of Police (CP), Julius Twinomujuni, who is the Coordinator of Trafficking Persons at the ministry, clarified that the goal of this initiative is to address the problem early on because many victims are young people, especially girls in school.

According to the commissioner, traffickers frequently prey on students by luring them in with promises of alluring career possibilities and school sponsorship programs, taking advantage of their vulnerabilities, and ultimately leading them into their traps.

“In the case of any appealing sponsorship, thorough verification should be conducted in coordination with the appropriate authorities,” Twinomujuni stated.

He stressed the importance of vigilance among teachers, students, and caretakers as the holiday season approaches.

Five schools in the eastern region of Uganda participated in this sensitization program, including Tororo Girls with 1984 students, Katarema School with 1239, 1311 from Asinge School, 2700 students from Rubongi Army School, and 1209 students from Rock High, with 24 children with special needs.