The Police have informed the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Jane Frances Abodo, about a decrease in reported cases of human trafficking across Uganda compared to the previous year.
In 2022, there were 1,200 reported cases nationwide, but in 2023, only 106 cases were reported.
Commissioner of Police Julius Twinomujuni credits this decline to better coordination among agencies responsible for fighting crime, such as the police, judiciary, prisons, and development partners. He also attributed this decline to measures including prevention, protection, partnership, and prosecution have contributed to this improvement.
This update was shared during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to support the implementation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for investigating and prosecuting cases of human trafficking in Uganda.
The MoU involves the Director of Public Prosecutions, CIVIPOL, and the Human Trafficking Institute.
Under the MoU, the DPP’s office will lead coordination efforts, contribute to guideline development, and provide support to trafficking victims throughout legal processes. The Human Trafficking Institute will also advocate for SOPs in its training programs and assist victims.
Jane Frances Abodo revealed that many trafficking victims lack comprehensive support, with only 30 percent receiving assistance from civil society organizations through court processes. Through partnerships with CIVIPOL and the Better Migration Management Programme, she said her office will receive 10,000 Euros to support victims’ participation in legal proceedings.
She further revealed that 2,250 Euros have been allocated for operationalizing and digitizing SOPs, including procuring equipment for the DPP’s office and law enforcement agencies. Noting that these measures aim to enhance support for victims and improve the prosecution of human trafficking cases in Uganda.