Bushenyi, Uganda — Security forces in western Uganda have successfully rescued 10 young women from suspected human traffickers and arrested two suspects in connection with the case, authorities confirmed on Sunday.
Greater Bushenyi Regional Police spokesperson Mr Apollo Tayebwa said the rescued girls, aged between 18 and 22, were freed late Friday night after an intelligence-led operation in Bushenyi District. Most of the victims were Senior Four leavers who had reportedly been lured with the promise of jobs.
Police identified the arrested suspects as 24-year-olds Innocent Agaba and Getrude Nayebare, who are being held as investigations continue.
According to Tayebwa, the victims were enticed with offers of employment at a company named “Nature’s Way” in Ishaka Town. They were allegedly confined, closely monitored, and forced to recruit other young women and collect money from their relatives — typical tactics used by human trafficking networks.
One of the rescued victims, Deborah Abaine, said they had been promised roles as salespersons or managers in Kampala, with a payment of UGX 120,000 requested for accommodation and feeding during an initial training period.
Another victim shared that her parents encouraged her to pursue the opportunity, hoping it would help support her transition to further education.
The rescued girls have since been reunited with their families as police continue to trace and arrest other suspected members of the trafficking network believed to operate beyond Bushenyi.
Human trafficking remains a priority focus for law enforcement in Uganda, with previous operations across the country uncovering large rings and freeing dozens of victims lured by false job promises.
