21 Ugandan trafficking victims due to return from Myanmar

Twenty-one Ugandans presumed trafficking victims held in forced labour camps in Myanmar are expected to return to Uganda next week, after several months in captivity. Ugandan government spokesperson Allan Kasujja said negotiations between Kampala and the Myanmar authorities were nearing completion.

The victims were allegedly lured to Myanmar by false offers of lucrative employment. According to Allan Kasujja, some had been recruited for jobs advertised in Thailand, Cambodia or China before being forced to work in compounds controlled by international criminal networks.

One of the 21 Ugandans, Felix Adupe, was released on Thursday by Myanmar authorities. He was handed over to Edan, a non-governmental organisation providing medical care and protection, according to Ugandan Foreign Minister Adonia Ayebare. The other 20 people are to be handed over to Uganda's ambassador to Myanmar, Betty Bigombe, in Yangon before their repatriation.

Allan Kasujja also said that about 12 other Ugandans arrested in Zambia in August remained detained after travelling to that country for work on the eve of the election. The government suspects they took part in ballot stuffing and still needs to verify their nationality and location before organising their possible repatriation. The spokesperson called on Ugandans to check employers and job offers before travelling abroad for work.