Uganda’s Child Trafficking Crisis Persists Despite Decline in Cases: Child Rights Advocates Call for Stronger Systems to Curb Trafficking. Police Advocate for Vigilance Amongst Guardians
Uganda’s fight against child trafficking remains urgent and unresolved. With children accounting for more than 80 percent of victims, the latest figures show over 500 minors trafficked in 2025. Though slightly fewer than the year before, the crisis continues to demand vigilance. The message is clear in protecting children requiring collective responsibility and stronger systems across families, communities, and institutions.
Human trafficking in Uganda remains a grave and escalating crisis, with reports from different stakeholder parties showing that more than 80 percent of human trafficking victims are children. Recent figures indicate that over 500 children were trafficked in 2025, a slight decrease from 597 cases in 2024 but the numbers remain deeply alarming. Speaking to COU Family TV, ASP Asiimwe Muteera, the Community Liaison Officer of Kawempe Division, outlined measures the police are implementing to curb this vice and emphasized the critical role communities must play in safeguarding children from exploitation.
He further highlighted the various methods traffickers use to move children, urging guardians to remain vigilant and stay alert looking out for these tactics in order to protect the young ones.
On his part, Damon Wamara, a child rights advocate, stressed the urgent need for a clear and structured system to prevent such incidents from recurring.
Hellen Grace Namulwana, a child rights advocate strongly emphasized the responsibility of parents to safeguard their children, cautioning them against falling prey to deception. She underscored that parents, together with the wider community, carry a mandate to protect and uphold the rights of children.
Mr. Wamara also echoed the need for churches to take a firm stand and speak out against these vices.
While Uganda has made strides in combating trafficking, the exploitation of children continues to thrive in vulnerable communities. With the call to action the wider society must rise to the challenge, working hand in hand with authorities to dismantle trafficking networks and protect the future generation.
