On the National Day of Prayer Against Human Trafficking, I had the distinct honor of representing Ziingo Women and Children Initiative Uganda at the Old Kampala playground. This powerful gathering, themed “Leave No Child Behind in the Fight Against Human Trafficking,” brought together religious leaders, advocates, and community members in a solemn yet hopeful call for divine intervention—and decisive action—against one of Uganda’s most heartbreaking crises.
The statistics speak volumes. According to the 2023 Uganda Police Report, a staggering 1,056 cases of human trafficking were reported last year. Among the victims were over 300 boys and more than 700 young girls, with children accounting for two-thirds of all trafficked individuals. These children are often lured and exploited due to systemic issues such as poverty, ignorance, and high unemployment. Many are forced into labor, early marriages, and subjected to other unspeakable forms of abuse.
One of the most chilling moments of the day came from Lawrence Nabbimba, a survivor who courageously shared his story. Lawrence recounted how he and several others were trafficked to Myanmar under false promises of employment in Thailand. Once there, they were coerced into online scamming operations. Failure to comply led to severe punishments—beatings, electrocution, and in some cases, death. It was only through the intervention of the Ugandan government that Lawrence and his fellow captives were finally rescued.
As we joined forces with other organizations during this event, Ziingo Women and Children Initiative Uganda issued a heartfelt plea to the government: intensify rescue operations for victims—especially the many young women trapped in the Middle East, enduring horrific conditions. We also emphasized the urgent need for stringent vetting of recruitment agencies, many of which have been directly linked to trafficking networks.
The fight against human trafficking cannot be won in isolation. It demands a united, unwavering commitment from all sectors of society—government, civil society, religious institutions, and individual citizens. At Ziingo, we reaffirm our mission to protect the most vulnerable and advocate for policies that ensure no child is left behind in this critical fight.
Together, we can end human trafficking. Together, we can bring our children home.
