Police have arrested a suspect involved in human trafficking and rescued 179 victims who were being recruited for employment in Kenya. The victims, consisting of both males and females, had been promised job opportunities but were allegedly being trafficked.
On Wednesday, authorities arrested Harriet Nasuuna, a 38-year-old resident of Nampunge village in Kakiri sub-county, Wakiso district, on charges related to human trafficking. The police had received intelligence regarding her involvement in the recruitment of individuals aged 18 and above for supposed employment in Kenya.
After further investigation, it was revealed that Nasuuna had gathered young men and women from various regions in Uganda, enticing them with the promise of better employment opportunities in Kenya. The victims, both male and female, had congregated at Nasuuna’s residence in Nampunge village, awaiting transportation to Nairobi, Kenya.
During interrogation, Nasuuna stated that she had been tasked with recruiting young men and women by an 18-year-old individual named William Mugenyi. Mugenyi, a resident of Kapeka Semuto in Nakaseke district, reportedly acted as an agent on behalf of his sister, identified as Carol, who was associated with a company in Nairobi, Kenya.
Further investigation revealed that the victims were being lured into positions such as waiters, waitresses, supermarket attendants, and casual laborers at a company in Kenya. The primary suspect, Nasuuna, remains in custody at Kakiri police station, while efforts are being made to locate and arrest Mugenyi to aid the ongoing investigation.
The victims, totaling 179 individuals, were rescued from this alleged human trafficking operation and taken to Kakiri Police station for necessary arrangements to facilitate their return to their respective homes. The authorities are taking actions to ensure the safety and well-being of the victims and to bring those responsible for human trafficking to justice.