Mityana to Host National Anti-Human Trafficking Commemoration As Stakeholders Rally Against Exploitation

Uganda is intensifying its efforts to combat human trafficking, with Mityana District set to host the national commemoration of the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons on July 30. The event, organized by the Platform for Social Justice (PSJ), will convene over 150 representatives from government, civil society, development partners, religious institutions, security agencies, local governments, and survivor groups.

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The fight against human trafficking begins within our communities. By bringing together government agencies, civil society, faith leaders, schools and survivors, we are building a stronger and more coordinated response that protects vulnerable people before they fall victim to traffickers.

The commemoration will focus on reinforcing the internationally recognized "4Ps" framework: prevention, protection, prosecution, and partnerships. Juliette Nakyanzi, Founder and CEO of PSJ, highlighted the importance of community involvement, stating, "The fight against human trafficking begins within our communities. By bringing together government agencies, civil society, faith leaders, schools and survivors, we are building a stronger and more coordinated response that protects vulnerable people before they fall victim to traffickers."

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Knowledge is protection. Many victims are lured through false promises of employment, education or better opportunities. When communities understand these risks, they become the first line of defence.

Nakyanzi stressed that community awareness is a highly effective tool in preventing trafficking, as traffickers increasingly exploit false promises of employment, education, and better opportunities to lure victims. "Knowledge is protection," she stated. "Many victims are lured through false promises of employment, education or better opportunities. When communities understand these risks, they become the first line of defence."

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Survivors are not just victims; they are powerful voices for change. Their experiences help us improve our response and prevent others from going through similar ordeals.

The PSJ also advocates for survivor-centered approaches, emphasizing that survivors' experiences are vital for shaping better policies and improving rehabilitation, psychosocial support, and reintegration services. "Survivors are not just victims; they are powerful voices for change," Nakyanzi added. The organization is also calling for stronger law enforcement action to dismantle trafficking networks through effective investigations, improved coordination, and survivor-focused judicial processes, underscoring that "justice must be swift and survivor-focused."

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Justice must be swift and survivor-focused. Criminal networks thrive where accountability is weak, and that is why stronger investigations and prosecutions remain essential.