Police in Mbarara Intercept 823 Suspected Victims of Human Trafficking

Mbarara, Uganda – 23nd November 2025

Police in Mbarara City, in collaboration with intelligence units, successfully intercepted 10 buses carrying 823 suspected victims of human trafficking. The buses, including several major transport companies like Tausi, KR Coaches, Bapakasi, Jamah Express, and Savanah Bus, were stopped at the Biharwe Police checkpoint around midnight on the 21st of November.

According to police reports, the intercepted group included 441 males and 376 females. The victims were transported under the false pretense of securing jobs in Mbarara City, with fees as high as 1.5 million Ugandan shillings per person for the job placement promises.

In a statement issued yesterday, SP Kasasira Samson, the Police spokesperson for the Rwizi Region, revealed that the victims were being trafficked by agents linked to Alliance in Motion Global, a multi-level marketing company. These individuals had been led to believe they would find employment in Mbarara but were ultimately being taken to Kampala for an annual company meeting at Freedom City Building, where a gathering was scheduled for today, 22nd November 2025.

“It is apparent that this was a case of trafficking for exploitation,” said SP Kasasira. “The victims were promised jobs but were coerced into paying exorbitant fees and were being transported against their will to an event far from their homes.”

Upon questioning, the victims confirmed that they had been recruited from various regions across the country and were instructed to travel to Mbarara for a job opportunity in the city’s growing business sector. They had been assured of employment opportunities at a fee, which many described as unaffordable. Once in Mbarara, the traffickers planned to take them to Kampala for the event under the guise of a business conference.

“The operation was part of our ongoing efforts to combat human trafficking and protect vulnerable individuals,” SP Kasasira continued. “Fortunately, with the help of our partners, we were able to stop the traffickers in their tracks and bring the victims to safety.”

All 823 individuals were taken to the Central Police Station (CPS) in Mbarara for further processing and debriefing. After being questioned and receiving support, they were cautioned and subsequently released with instructions to return to their homes. Investigations into the trafficking network and its leaders remain ongoing, with police working closely with national agencies to track down the individuals responsible for this illegal operation.

“We are committed to continuing our fight against human trafficking and ensuring that those who exploit and harm vulnerable people face justice,” Kasasira emphasized.

Authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities related to human trafficking, particularly recruitment schemes that promise employment opportunities with high fees. The police have also advised citizens to be cautious when dealing with unverified job offers, especially those that seem too good to be true.