UGANDA: Child trafficking reports probed

[19 June 2007] - The Ugandan Government is investigating reports that charitable organisations are trafficking children from the war-torn north and north-eastern region.

The state minister for relief and disaster preparedness, Musa Ecweru, said some NGOs promise children free education but instead take them to unknown destinations.

Ecweru revealed that the sponsors, who claim to be pastors, first take the children to schools in the central region before relocating them.

“A total of 41 children were intercepted at Busia as they were being taken to Kenya in March,” he said.

The minister’s revelation came after 11 stranded students from Teso went to his office seeking help.

The Katakwi MPs; Charles Ojok Oleny (Usuk County) and Jessica Alupo (Woman) condemned the practice.

They also called upon the relevant authorities to investigate all NGOs operating in the northern region.

pdf: http://www.newvision.co.ug/D/8/17/571164

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