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By Edson Kinene
Police in the Rwizi region are searching for a Tanzanian national named Magero, who is suspected of trafficking two young children from Tanzania into Uganda. Authorities in Mbarara City rescued the children, both aged ten, after finding them begging on the streets. The children were taken to the central police station and later placed in a children's shelter for their protection.
Mushabe Henry, the Senior Probation Officer for Mbarara City, revealed that the children, who only speak Swahili, were brought into the city by a person who deceived their parents with false promises of care. Instead, the trafficker forced the children to beg for money.
Mushabe also highlighted a worrying trend of an increasing number of street children in the city. He noted that about four children are found abandoned on the streets or left in hospitals every month. Many of these children either run away from home in search of their parents or are abandoned by them, eventually becoming street children.
Rwizi Region Police Spokesperson Samson Kasasira confirmed that a child trafficking case has been registered against Magero at the Mbarara Central Police Station, though further details were not disclosed.
Rebeca Mulema, Director of Living Ministries Babies Home, stated that while child abandonment is largely driven by domestic violence, child trafficking is primarily a result of poverty. She called for more awareness and sensitization on these issues, urging local council leaders to implement by-laws and ordinances to combat both crimes.
John Kavigi, the City Councilor representing youth and the secretary of the social services committee, acknowledged the growing issue of street children and abandoned minors. He added that the city council has begun drafting an ordinance aimed at addressing this challenge.
Torch Media Africa
