PHOTOS: Ministry of Foreign Affairs Successfully Repatriates Trafficked Ugandans From Myanmar

Today Thursday May 23rd 2024, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is pleased to announce the successful repatriation of some of the Ugandan citizens who were victims of human trafficking in Myanmar.

This milestone was achieved through concerted efforts by various government agencies and international partners, demonstrating the Uganda Foreign Service’s commitment to protecting Ugandans abroad and combating human trafficking.

Speaking at Entebbe International Airport while receiving the returning VOT, the Permanent Secretary Mr. Bagiire Vincent Waiswa, urged Ugandans to be cautious of fraudulent employment schemes.

“The Ministry, working with the Ministry of Internal Affairs continues to work on preventing human trafficking through regional and international cooperation. He emphasized.

At the 19th Non-Aligned Movement Summit in Kampala in January 2024, Hon. John Mulimba and Ambassador Dr. Betty Bigombe met with Myanmar’s Deputy Foreign Minister, H.E. Mr. U Than Swe, to discuss the safety and return of 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 Ugandan government, working with its High Commission in Kuala Lumpur, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and the Office of the Prime Minister, initiated diplomatic efforts with Myanmar, resulting in an agreement to release the Ugandans.

PS Bagiire thanked the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) for providing shelter and travel arrangements for returning Ugandans. He also expressed gratitude to the Thai government for waiving overstay visa fees and pardoning rescued repatriates without work permits.