By Brigadier General Henry Isoke, the Head of the State House Anti-Corruption Unit, on Wednesday flagged off a symbolic walk to mark the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons (TIP). The event, held under the theme of advocating for safe labour migration and human dignity, was organised by the Uganda Child Rights NGO Network in partnership with the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
The walk brought together stakeholders from government agencies, civil society, and the international community in a unified call to address the growing challenge of human trafficking in Uganda, particularly among vulnerable groups such as women, children, refugees, and persons with disabilities.
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Speaking at the event, Brig Gen Isoke underscored the need for heightened awareness and enforcement of anti-trafficking laws. He pointed to the Prevention of Trafficking in Persons Act as a key legal framework, but warned that progress remains slow due to gaps in implementation, often exacerbated by corruption.
“While Uganda has made strides in establishing legal protections, enforcement remains a major challenge,” said Isoke. “Corruption continues to hinder efforts to bring perpetrators to justice and protect the vulnerable.”
Human trafficking, as defined under the Act, involves the recruitment, transportation, or harbouring of individuals for purposes of exploitation—including forced labour and sexual exploitation. Uganda remains a source, transit, and destination country for trafficked persons, with internal trafficking often targeting the most marginalized communities.
The General also highlighted Uganda’s national action plan on trafficking, which aligns with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) framework built around the “4Ps”: Prevention, Protection, Prosecution, and Partnerships. He emphasized the need for a coordinated multi-agency approach to break the trafficking cycle.
As part of the government’s broader strategy to combat trafficking, Isoke pointed to socio-economic empowerment programs such as the Parish Development Model (PDM), Emyooga, and the Youth Livelihood Program. These, he said, are vital in reducing vulnerabilities that traffickers exploit.
“The government is committed to improving household incomes and empowering youth and at-risk populations. These programs aim to provide alternatives to risky migration and offer real hope for economic progress,” he said.
The commemoration also served as a moment of national reflection on Uganda’s current efforts and gaps in dealing with trafficking in persons. Participants were urged to remain vigilant, report suspicious activity, and advocate for the protection of human dignity.
“We must work together to build a society where no person is commodified, and every life is protected and valued,” Isoke concluded.
The walk was attended by government officials, civil society actors, diplomats, students, and survivors of human trafficking, all uniting in the fight against one of the world’s most pressing human rights violations.
