Tumukunde Pledges Stronger Government Action Against Human Trafficking

The Minister of Gender, Labour and Social Development, Lt Gen (Rtd) Henry Tumukunde Kakurugu, has committed government backing to organisations leading the fight against human trafficking. Speaking at the National Prayer Day on Human Trafficking Awareness, Tumukunde stressed that eradicating the vice requires synchronized efforts, dedicated volunteers, and robust digital systems to improve information-sharing among stakeholders.

Comparing the challenge to Uganda’s past security battles, Tumukunde urged all partners to act on “one frequency” and seek necessary financial support to sustain their anti-trafficking programmes. He reiterated that human exploitation remains a severe concern that impacts citizens both locally and internationally.

The annual event, co-organised by survivor-led groups like the Mwagale Foundation, highlighted the vital role of survivors in advocacy and rescue missions. Joanita Ndagire, founder of the foundation and a trafficking survivor, noted that the prayer gathering serves as an essential tool for public awareness and personal healing, emphasizing that human dignity is foundational to true peace.

Meanwhile, Kampala Archbishop Paul Ssemogerere cautioned that human trafficking is not restricted to individuals smuggled out of the country. He pointed out that domestic exploitation remains a pressing issue, specifically highlighting children brought from Karamoja to beg on the streets of Kampala.

Religious leaders, government officials, and civil society actors alike concluded that defeating human exploitation demands sustained cooperation, deeper accountability, and a collective refusal to look away from vulnerable citizens.

Read more details on the Nile Post.