Fake Bursary Scam: 45 Trafficked Victims Rescued in Kiboga

Police in Kiboga District have arrested a suspect in connection with the aggravated trafficking of 45 victims in Kikooba Village, Bukomero Sub-county, Kiboga District, on February 6, 2025.

The 45 victims include nine male juveniles and 23 female juveniles, aged between three and 15 years, as well as five male adults and eight female adults, aged between 20 and 34 years (a total of 14 males and 31 females).

According to SP Racheal Kawala, the PRO Wamala Region, the suspect has been identified as Nakayima Jesca, a 34-year-old teacher and resident of Kazinga Zone, Kyebando Ward, Nansana Municipality in Wakiso District.

It is alleged that on February 5, 2025, Nakayima hired a motor vehicle, registration number UAW 850A, a Coaster Rosa, from Muwanika Alex, who also served as its driver.

Preliminary findings indicate that at around 4:00 p.m., she moved around Kazinga, Kyebando, and Nansana in Wakiso District, picking up victims from their parents and workplaces under the pretence of offering bursaries and jobs, including teaching, matron, cleaner, and askari (security guard) positions.

She reportedly told the victims they were being taken to schools in Namayumba and Kakiri affiliated with the Born-Again community. However, upon reaching Namayumba, she instructed the driver to continue until she told him to stop.

It is further alleged that Nakayima led the driver to Kikooba Village, Bukomero Sub-county, Kiboga District, where they arrived at around 2:00 a.m. at a private primary school identified as Good Samaritan, owned by Apostle Mitala Amon.

On February 6, 2025, the victims received no clear communication from the suspect and later learned that the school’s head teacher was unaware of the arrangement. This prompted him to inform the LC1 chairperson, who then alerted the police.

A team of officers, led by the Kiboga District Police Commander, visited the school and recorded statements from relevant witnesses.

SP Kawala confirmed that the suspect is currently in custody at Kiboga Police Station to assist with investigations, as authorities work to reunite the victims, especially the minors, with their parents and families.