Myanmar frees Ugandan trafficking victim, 20 others expected
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on The Independent
Myanmar authorities have released Ugandan Felix Adupe, a trafficking victim detained at a centre linked to forced online scam networks, Ugandan Foreign Affairs Minister Adonia Ayebare announced. Twenty other detained Ugandans are due to be handed over next week in Yangon to ambassador Betty Bigombe, who is also accredited to Myanmar, according to the ministry.
Myanmar authorities released Ugandan national Felix Adupe on 5 November, described as an alleged human trafficking victim detained at a site linked to forced online financial scam networks. Ugandan Foreign Affairs Minister Adonia Ayebare announced his release, which took place at 5:15 p.m., according to The Independent.
Adupe was subsequently handed over to Edan, a non-governmental organisation providing him with medical assistance and temporary accommodation. Ayebare said the 20 other detained Ugandans were due to be handed over to Betty Bigombe, Uganda’s ambassador to Malaysia who is also accredited to Myanmar, in Yangon the following week, before arrangements for their return to Uganda. Ugandan government spokesperson Allan Kasujja confirmed that authorities were coordinating the repatriation of the 21 nationals, considered victims of trafficking after being lured abroad by false promises of employment.
The release follows the announcement on 7 November of the planned return of 21 Ugandan trafficking victims from Myanmar.
