Some of the victim at Entebbe Airport just after after arrival on Thursday.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs finally have managed to rescue Ugandan who were stuck in Myanmar having been trafficked there.
Mr. Bagiire Vincent Waiswa the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary in a press statement he released announced the successful repatriation of some of the Ugandan citizens who were victims of human trafficking in Myanmar give relief to their families.
“This milestone was achieved through concerted efforts by various government agencies and international partners, demonstrating the Uganda’s Foreign Services Commitment to protecting Ugandans abroad and combating human trafficking.’’ The statement reads in parts.
Speaking at Entebbe International Airport while receiving the returning victims of Trafficking the Mr. Bagiire , urged Ugandans to be conscious of fraudulent employment schemes.
“The Ministry, of Internal Affairs continues to work on preventing human trafficking through regional and international cooperation.’’ He emphasized.
In January 2024 in the Summit of the Non-Aligned Movement held in Kampala, Hon. John Mulimba, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs in charge of Regional Cooperation, along with Dr. Betty Bigombe, Ambassador of the Republic of Uganda to Thailand with residence in Kuala Lumpur, met with Myanmar’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Mr. U Than Swe, and raised concerns about the safety, rescue and return of the incarcerated Ugandan citizens.
The issue came to light in 2023 when reports surfaced of about twenty-three (23) Ugandans being held in Tachileik, Myanmar, after being lured with promises of high-paying jobs.
They were subsequently forced into crypto-currency scams and smuggled across borders. The Government of Uganda, in collaboration with the Uganda High Commission in Kuala Lumpur, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and the Office of the Prime Minister, initiated a series of diplomatic engagements with the Government of Myanmar, leading to an agreement to release the Ugandans.
The Permanent Secretary Bagiire extended the gratitude of the people of Uganda to the International Organization for Migration (IOM) for providing crucial support, such as shelter and travel arrangements back to Uganda.
He also graciously thanked the Government of Thailand, which generously waived all overstay visa fees and pardoned those rescued repatriates without work permits.
“Following their release, the victims were sheltered at the Thailand-Myanmar border, with assistance from the Thai government and the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
“Thai authorities confirmed the victims’ status as trafficking survivors, enabling the repatriation process to commence”, the Permanent Secretary highlighted.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs extends heartfelt thanks to the Government of Thailand, the IOM, and particularly H.E. President Museveni, for their invaluable support. Special recognition goes to Ambassador Dr. Betty Bigombe for her relentless efforts.” PS Bagiire further said
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