Gov’t urged to put strong measures against human trafficking

By Arinda Nsheeka Wilfred

Government has been challenged to ensure that there are stringent measures against human trafficking and good laws on labour exportation.

This follows the ever increasing number of Ugandans have been trafficked to Middle East countries.

While speaking to the mourners on Wednesday in Kebisoni, Rukungiri District at the burial of Shivan Kihembo, Charles Kahaani added that government has not done enough to hunt down the perpetrators of human trafficking. Kahaani is the Kebisoni sub county chairperson.

“I am worried to hear that many Ugandans are imprisoned or tortured to die in Middle East countries especially Oman where Uganda has no Embassy yet the Ministry responsible is reluctant to do anything,” Kahaani said.

Kihembo, 22, reportedly died on October 5, under unclear circumstances in Oman where she had gone to work as housemaid. Some of her relatives claim that she could have been tortured and killed.

However the Mulago hospital medical report indicated that Kihembo died of Hypoxia, a health condition that occurs when there is low oxygen intake in the body.

She was trafficked to Oman by the Kenyan company called Aljazeera which had offices in Kabusu, a Kampala suburb and with the help of the company agent only identified as Dalaus who hails from Omurusa Nyanga Rubaare sub county Ntungamo district.

Her body was repatriated after intervention of family and Interpol.

Kahaani also asked young people to embrace the job opportunities they have in the country instead of going in the foreign countries to opt for odd jobs which are risky.

He added that young people can as well as accumulate enough wealth even within their localities.

The parents of the deceased, Patrick and Kedrace Mugume hailed the Ugandan government for repatriating the body of their daughter for decent burial.

Mugume described her as hardworking, humble and brave who left the family in darkness.

In his comforting words, the south Ankole diocese chaplain, Rev Nathan Nkuranga told mourners never trust anyone in this evil world but only God.

Rev Nkuranga noted that humans are the best betrayers saying that even our own family members and best friends.