Police Rescue 37 Victims, Arrest Bishop in Suspected Human Trafficking Case

Police in Kasangati are holding one suspect to assist with investigations into a suspected human trafficking case following the rescue of 37 victims from a rented premises in Wakiso District.

The suspect has been identified as Kandekere Passy Andrew, a bishop of Christ Way Generation Ministries. He is alleged to have recruited children from various districts across Uganda by promising them bursaries and scholarships at his school. However, police say the promised educational opportunities were allegedly never provided.

According to SP Racheal Kawala, the Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson, the victims were rescued from a rented building in Kabaga-Kayaanga Zone, Kiteezi Ward, Wakiso District.

The operation was launched after concerned residents alerted authorities about suspicious activities at the premises.

The rescued victims, aged between 7 and 20 years, include learners ranging from Primary One (P.1) to Senior Five (S.5). Of the 37 victims, 23 are female and 14 are male.

Preliminary investigations indicate that the victims were brought from several districts across the country, including Luweero, Kamuli, Buyende, Kole, Apac, Jinja, Kikuube, and Napak, among others.

Police have commended members of the public for providing the information that led to the rescue and urged parents and guardians to exercise caution when entrusting their children to individuals or organisations offering educational opportunities.

Efforts are currently underway to reunite the victims with their families as investigations into the circumstances surrounding the incident continue.