Ugandan student labor case: Former university dean receives reduced sentence on appeal

A Taiwanese appeals court has handed down reduced sentences in a labor exploitation case involving Ugandan students at Chung Chou University of Science and Technology. The case, which came to light after one student fled and spoke to the media, saw former university officials receive lighter penalties than in the initial ruling.

Chai Fang-wu, the former dean of student affairs, was sentenced to 3 years and 6 months in prison, a reduction from his previous sentence of 5 years and 6 months. Lan Su-ling, the former director of the extension center, received a 4-year sentence, down from 5 years. Taiwanese businessman Lin Cheng-liang, who was involved in recruiting the students, was acquitted on appeal.

The university, facing declining enrollment due to a low birth rate, had recruited Ugandan students through Lin. While 139 students were initially planned, only 16 arrived. These students allegedly incurred debts of over NT$100,000 (approximately $3,100 USD) upon arrival and were forced to work overtime or at night to repay these debts. Human trafficking prevention laws were cited in the initial charges.

Chen Kuo-liang, a labor broker involved in the case, had his sentence reduced to 1 year and 6 months for labor exploitation, down from 2 years. The court's decision to overturn the original verdict and impose new sentences means the case can still be appealed further.