Security leaders in Karamoja have identified poverty, insecurity, peer influence, and forced marriages as key factors enabling child trafficking in the region.
This emerged during a security-local leaders’ engagement meeting held on June 4, 2024, at Lopeei Sub County headquarters in Napak District.
The meeting included the Chief Magistrate, representatives from NGOs, and local leaders.
Hon. Paul Kodet, Napak District Chairperson, revealed a concerning statistic showing that out of 1,000 children found on the streets of Kampala, 300 are from Napak District, with a majority originating from Lopeei Sub county.
Maj. Gen. Don Nabasa, Commander of the UPDF 3rd Division, emphasized the importance of addressing the reasons children are lured away from Karamoja and advocated for mandatory school enrollment for all children in the region.
RPC Mt. Moroto, Francis Chemusto, highlighted the existing legal framework against human trafficking. He stressed the need to raise public awareness about these laws within communities.
He further warned local leaders of the potential repercussions of neglecting their roles in preventing child trafficking.
Okori Denis, the RDC of Napak, acknowledged that during his tenure, no official reports of missing children have been filed by parents or relatives. He pointed out that information on child trafficking typically comes from whistleblowers.
The Chief Magistrate urged leaders to take a serious stance against child trafficking, emphasizing that perpetrators and accomplices will face severe legal consequences.
The meeting concluded with a commitment from all stakeholders to collaborate in the fight against child trafficking.
IP LONGOLE MIKE
Ag.PRO MT MOROTO/ASTU
