Nine Somali, Kenyan nationals rescued from suspected human trafficking West Nile
“All nine are of Somali origin, either Kenyan nationals or registered refugees living in Kampala’s Kisenyi area and are currently unemployed,” he added.
Adjumani: Police in Adjumani District have rescued nine individuals from a suspected human trafficking operation at IQM Guest House in Adjumani Town. The rescue operation took place on October 12, 2025, following a tip-off from a concerned citizen.
The victims, identified as Abdul Rashid Ali Ahli, Fatma Mohamed, Hassan Khalid, Hanad Daahir, Abdulahi Ahmed, Tesfahewed Tesfa Mario, Jamal Abdi, Abukari Yusuf Omar, and Naom Weldemicher were taken to Adjumani Police Station for protection and support.
According to SP Collins Asea, the North West Nile regional police spokesperson, five of the victims were trafficked from Kenya, while the other four are Somali refugees residing in Uganda. The group, which included one woman and eight men, had never met prior to their arrival at the guest house.
“Preliminary investigations indicate the victims were transported from Kampala to Adjumani in saloon cars after being lured with false promises of employment opportunities in Juba,” said SP Asea.
“All nine are of Somali origin, either Kenyan nationals or registered refugees living in Kampala’s Kisenyi area and are currently unemployed,” he added.
The police operation was initiated after a woman named Gloria received a distress message from her Kenyan friend, Olupot Joseph, whose brother was reportedly being held with others in Adjumani. Acting on the information, police used GPS tracking to locate IQM Guest House and swiftly conducted a raid.
Victims were found locked in two rooms, unable to leave. Guest house owners stated the rooms had been rented out to an unknown group who disappeared without paying. The primary suspect’s phone has since been switched off, and efforts to track them remain ongoing.
The victims are currently being sheltered at the same guest house under police supervision, as authorities coordinate with local leaders to reunite them with their families.
The case has been registered under ADJ CRB 605/2025 and remains under active investigation. Police are urging the public to report any information that may assist in apprehending those behind the trafficking network.
Human trafficking continues to be a growing concern in Uganda. According to data from the Uganda Police Force, 1,068 cases were reported in 2024, up from 1,006 in 2023. Of these, child trafficking accounted for 597 cases, reflecting a 27% increase over the previous year. Major trafficking hotspots include Bukedi and Kampala.
Authorities attribute the rise to poverty, unemployment, and deceptive promises of education or jobs abroad. Despite a slight decline in overall crime rates, porous borders and underreporting continue to hinder anti-trafficking efforts.
The Uganda Police Force has so far trained nearly 1,800 officers in counter-trafficking and continues to call on the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity.
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