By URN
The police in Hoima are investigating a case of aggravated trafficking in persons involving two minors from Kabarole district.
Preliminary police investigations reveal that the 16-year-old girls whose particulars have been concealed are from Buturi village in Buhondo parish, Kicwamba sub-county in Kabarole district. They were reportedly lured to Hoima after being promised employment as housemaids.
However, upon arrival in Hoima city, the minors were forced into prostitution at a bar owned by Grace Businge Tusiime, 32 a resident of Hoima city. She has since been arrested.
Julius Hakiza, the Albertine region police spokesperson explains that the victims were also forced to surrender their clothes until they could repay the suspect for the transport costs that she incurred on their way to Hoima.
According to Hakiza, upon arrival in Hoima City, the minors were allegedly informed that they were to generate income for the employer and earn themselves a living through sexual intercourse with the bar customers.
He says the girls rejected the deal until the information leaked to concerned citizens, human rights defenders and the police prompting them to immediately swing into action.
Hakiza says the girls have since been rescued and examined elaborating that the file has already been submitted to the Resident State Attorney for perusal and legal advice.
According to Hakiza, the suspect has already been charged with aggravated trafficking in persons adding that efforts are being made to transport the victims back to their home villages.
