Kasese Police, NGOs Stand to End Trafficking, Child Labor, and Forced Marriages

Kasese, Uganda | The Black Examiner  – In a dedicated endeavor aimed at countering the grave issues of human trafficking, forced marriages, and child labor within Kasese district, the local police have taken a significant stride by forming a close partnership with the community.

This commitment was voiced during a one-day meeting focusing on human rights advocacy at Virina Gardens in Kasese town. This event brought together law enforcement officers, civil society organizations, and various government agencies, all united in the shared goal of putting an end to these exploitative practices.

The meeting, organized by the Kasese Platform Advocacy Network (KAPLANET), a non-governmental organization deeply committed to empowering community advocacy and initiatives against rights violations, placed a central emphasis on addressing the pressing concerns of human trafficking, child labor, and forced marriages in Kasese.

ASP Ismail Kaawo, the Rwenzori East Regional Human Rights and Legal Officer, stressed the importance of close collaboration with community members who often witness these rights violations firsthand. He issued a cautionary message, urging individuals not to support companies that hire laborers without the necessary permits from the relevant ministry, as these companies can unwittingly drag individuals into the perilous world of human trafficking.

SP Luka Mbusa, the Rwenzori Regional Community Liaisons Officer, highlighted the essential role that residents play in the fight against these injustices. He emphasized that the success of this effort hinges on community members refusing to collude with perpetrators once they are identified. He also encouraged residents to report any instances where police officers demand money to resolve issues, emphasizing that such behavior should be promptly reported.

From the perspective of Ms. Immaculate Kobusingye, the Uganda Human Rights Legal Officer at Kasese branch, the ultimate goal encompasses the eradication of forced marriages and the prevention of child labor, particularly for children below the legal working age of 18. Annette Kobusinge, who serves as the Project Officer for Ending Violence against Children and Women, highlighted their findings, which uncover the psychological toll on children subjected to forced labor.

These victims frequently experience adverse emotional effects, including depressed moods, low self-esteem, and frustration.

However, Mr. Emmy Mwesige Kayiri, the Kasese Municipal Education Officer, made an appeal to both the police force and other civil organizations. He requested an extension of sensitization meetings to educational institutions, ensuring that young individuals are equipped with the awareness and knowledge necessary to protect themselves against such forms of exploitation.

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