By APN Reporter
apearlnews.com
The Territorial Police in Kigezi region and Kanungu have apprehended Farida Nabakooza, a 37-year-old conductor of Baby Coach, for her involvement in trafficking child refugees into the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to join a rebel group known as “Twiraneho,” meaning “let us fight for ourselves.”
On November 6, 2023, at approximately 8 a.m., Nabakooza received five children, handing them over to the Baby Coach bus conductor, who was aware of their intended destination. Two of the victims, including 17-year-old Muvula Christine, a refugee and pupil at United Nursery and Primary School in Nakivale Refugee Camp, managed to escape and were successfully reunited with their mother. However, three other victims, identified as Bisesa Prince (15), Tezero, and Sabikoze, remain missing.
Police spokesperson Fred Enanga expressed concern over the incident, stating, “The Joint Security Agencies will continue to monitor all spaces, including refugee camps, which unfortunately act as domains for recruitment and collection centers for children into the rebel ranks.”
Efforts are currently underway to locate the missing children in collaboration with Eastern DRC officials. Authorities are also intensifying their efforts to apprehend any additional suspects who may be involved in the trafficking ring.
Enanga urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities, emphasizing the importance of community cooperation in ensuring the safety and well-being of vulnerable individuals, particularly in refugee camps.
As investigations unfold, the police are determined to dismantle networks involved in recruiting children for rebel activities and trafficking. The arrest of Farida Nabakooza is a significant step toward curbing such illicit activities, and law enforcement agencies are committed to bringing all involved individuals to justice.
