Uganda Repatriates Human Trafficking Victims from Myanmar

Successful repatriation of Ugandan citizens who were victims of human trafficking in Myanmar
Collaborative effort involving multiple government agencies and international partners
Diplomatic engagements with Myanmar led to an agreement for the release of the Ugandans

The repatriation effort was a collaborative endeavor involving multiple government agencies and international partners.

The returning victims of trafficking (VOT) were received at Entebbe International Airport by the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Bagiire Vincent Waiswa, who highlighted the importance of vigilance against fraudulent employment schemes.

"The Ministry, in collaboration with the Ministry of Internal Affairs, continues to work on preventing human trafficking through regional and international cooperation," Mr. Bagiire emphasized.

Read: Ugandans lured with fake job ads to fight in Myanmar war - Gov’t confirms

The plight of the Ugandan victims came to light in 2023 when reports emerged of approximately 23 Ugandans being held in Tachileik, Myanmar.

They had been lured by false promises of lucrative jobs and subsequently forced into cryptocurrency scams, then smuggled across borders. The Ugandan government, alongside the Uganda High Commission in Kuala Lumpur, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and the Office of the Prime Minister, initiated diplomatic engagements with Myanmar, leading to an agreement for the release of the Ugandans.

The returnees checking in pulse uganda

On the sidelines of the 19th Summit of the Non-Aligned Movement in Kampala in January 2024, Hon. John Mulimba, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs for Regional Cooperation, and Ambassador Dr. Betty Bigombe, Uganda's Ambassador to Thailand, met with Myanmar's Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Mr. U Than Swe, to address concerns about the safety and return of the Ugandan citizens.

Mr. Bagiire expressed profound gratitude to the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) for their crucial support, which included providing shelter and facilitating travel arrangements for the victims. He also thanked the Government of Thailand for waiving overstay visa fees and pardoning the repatriates without work permits.

“Following their release, the victims were sheltered at the Thailand-Myanmar border with assistance from the Thai government and the IOM. Thai authorities confirmed their status as trafficking survivors, allowing the repatriation process to commence,” Mr. Bagiire explained.

The 23 Ugandans were being held in Tachileik, Myanma pulse uganda

The Permanent Secretary extended heartfelt thanks to the Government of Thailand, the IOM, and particularly President Museveni, for their invaluable support. Special recognition was given to Ambassador Dr. Betty Bigombe for her relentless efforts in securing the safety and return of the trafficked Ugandans.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reaffirmed its commitment to protecting Ugandan citizens abroad and tackling human trafficking with the seriousness it deserves.

"With collective effort and unwavering commitment, we can prevent and manage human trafficking, safeguarding our children, youth, and vulnerable populations," Mr. Bagiire concluded.