By Mike Rwothomio

Three Congolese nationals were On May 5, 2025 arrested at the Goli One-Stop Border Point in Jupangira Sub-County, Nebbi District, for allegedly trafficking 24 children from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) into Uganda.

The suspects, identified as Bwona Oyirwoth, Kapara Nyayic, and Owen Diedhone, all residents of Mangele in Mahagi Territory, claimed they were transporting the children to Ocea Refugee Settlement in Arua District.

Bwona Oyirwoth, 34, the primary suspect, stated that the children, aged 6–10, had fled conflict in Djalasiga, DRC.

He admitted to ferrying them without informing their parents, claiming it was done in good faith.

Some of the children

Sunday Ogenrwoth, Chairperson of Jupangira Sub-County, reported the incident, while Nebbi Resident District Commissioner Robert Abak is collaborating with Congolese authorities to resolve the matter.

The suspects are detained at Nebbi Central Police Station, and the children are set to be repatriated to the DRC.

West Nile Regional Police Spokesperson SP Collins Asea stated that joint security services, including Uganda Immigration, Police, ISO, ESO, and CMI, are coordinating with Congolese authorities to transfer the detainees for further proceedings.

Trafficking in persons, defined as the recruitment, transportation, transfer, harboring, or receipt of persons through force, fraud, or deception for exploitation, is a significant issue in Uganda.

The country serves as a source, transit, and destination for victims, primarily women and children, subjected to forced labor, sexual exploitation, and organ trafficking.

Vulnerable populations, including refugees and conflict-displaced individuals from neighboring countries like the DRC, are often targeted.

According to the U.S. Department of State’s 2024 Trafficking in Persons Report, Uganda is a Tier 2 country, indicating progress in combating trafficking but falling short of fully meeting minimum standards.

The Ugandan government reported 1,506 trafficking cases investigated in 2023, with 1,200 involving children. Convictions were secured in 45 cases, a decrease from 63 in 2022.

The Coordination Office for Prevention of Trafficking in Persons (COPTIP) noted that 70% of victims in 2023 were children, often trafficked for labor or sexual exploitation.

Nebbi District, due to its proximity to the DRC border, remains a hotspot for cross-border trafficking.

Police in Nebbi urge the public to report suspicious activities to curb trafficking in persons, emphasizing heightened vigilance in border areas.

Mike Rwothomio is news editor at zoomer Africa