Police have rescued 83 children, aged between 5 and 15, from a house posing as a non-governmental organization (NGO) in Wabulunga Cell, Mayuge District.
According to Police Spokesperson Fred Enanga, the operation recently conducted by police in the Busoga East Region and Mayuge Central Police Station uncovered a suspected child trafficking operation orchestrated by a fake NGO known as NAMU Mission Uganda.
“The 83 rescued children, comprising 40 boys and 43 girls, are currently under the care of the Anti-Human Trafficking Division with the support of three counselors,” said Enanga. He added that “They are receiving medical and psychological attention while authorities work to reunite them with their families.”
Enanga confirmed the arrest of three suspects: Justin Namugenyi, 37, the alleged director of the NGO, Kirevu Hakim, aged 38, and Kimbowa Musa, aged 45.
“Investigations are ongoing to determine the motives behind the operation, how the children were lured into the organization, and any potential accomplices.”
“These children were reportedly promised education and better living conditions,” Enanga said.
However, he said that further investigation revealed that the NGO was not registered and that “its activities were highly suspicious.”
Enanga urged the parents to conduct thorough background checks before associating their children with any organization.