Ugandan girls who were rescued from Kenya find their way back

96 Ugandan girls who were recently rescued from Kenya in a joint operation between Uganda and Kenyan security forces have since gone back. This was revealed by the acting commissioner sexual offences at the criminal investigations department, Ms Rosemary Nalubega during an orientation session for police officers and state attorneys in Kampala. According to Nalubega, among the 96 girls, 42 were underage and had been rescued to safe places provided by different Non- governmental organizations. “The girls upon being rescued were placed in safe homes and we thought they would help in investigations but they turned hostile and we were forced to take them back to their homes but unfortunately, they have returned to Kenya.” She said. She said a one Asiro has already been detained in Kenya to help with the investigations and will soon be taken to court. However reliable sources in Kenya could not confirm or dispute that the girls had returned. Nalubega says one of the biggest challenges they are facing is the lack of a budget for human trafficking cases. “There is no budget attached to rescuing victims of human trafficking yet this is very important. There are so many cases that are pending but we can’t do much because financially our hands are tied.” She said. Fraciah Kagu from the East African Child rights Network that is based in Kenya calls for concerted efforts from all players to deal with the problem of trafficking children. “It’s imperative that civil society organizations and government collaborate to ensure a wholesome referral system where children can receive the physical as well as psychological care” Ugandan girls, especially from the Karamoja region, continue to be trafficked both internally and externally and no perpetrator has ever been tried and convicted. Mr Damon Wamara, the country director Dwelling Places attributes the trend to push factors back in Karamoja that continue to attract families into looking at their children as an income. “One of the major problems is poverty, many parents look at girls mainly as a source of income and many continue to be trafficked. There is a need to continue engaging parents that school is the best place for any child.”