The International Crimes Division of the High Court has ruled that two men accused of aggravated trafficking in children have a case to answer and must present their defense on all five charges.
The accused, Sheikh Abdurashid Mbazira (also known as Abdu Sewajja or Buyondo Muhammad Jamir Walukagga) and Higenyi Aramathan Noordin (also known as Taata Abdul Razak), are charged under the Prevention of Trafficking in Persons Act with five counts of aggravated child trafficking.
The alleged offences occurred between 2016 and March 2017 across Busia, Mayuge, Mukono, Kampala, Kasese, and Bushenyi districts.
Justice Dr. Andrew Bashaija, head of the ICD, determined that the prosecution has presented sufficient evidence to require the accused to respond.
He clarified that the ruling does not imply guilt, but establishes that there is enough evidence that could lead to a conviction if the defence does not successfully challenge it.
In Counts One and Two, both men are jointly accused of trafficking an eight-year-old boy and a three-year-old girl from Busia District.
The children’s mother testified that Noordin took them under the pretext of visiting their aunt, but transported them without her knowledge. Police later traced the children to Mbazira’s home in Mukono District.
In Count Three, Mbazira is accused of trafficking an eleven-year-old boy from Mayuge District through Busia and Kampala to Kasese. Witnesses indicated that the child was taken with promises of education and religious instruction.
An arresting officer testified that Mbazira was found with two national identity cards bearing his photograph under different names and allegedly attempted to destroy one during his arrest.
The trial will now proceed as the accused prepare their defence on all five charges.
By Alex Magala
23rd Feb 2026
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