The Uganda Episcopal Conference (UEC) has today organised the National Prayer Day and Awareness Campaign Against Human Trafficking in Uganda, bringing together religious leaders, government representatives, organisations and survivors to strengthen collective efforts towards ending human trafficking.
The event, held at Sharing Youth Centre in Nsambya, aimed at expressing solidarity with survivors who have endured trauma and exploitation, while calling for collective responsibility among government institutions, religious leaders, families and communities in the fight against human trafficking.
Held under the theme “Peace Begins with Dignity: A Global Call to End Human Trafficking,” the National Prayer Day was graced by the Archbishop of Kampala, His Grace Paul Ssemogerere, alongside the Secretary General of the Uganda Episcopal Conference, Msgr. John Baptist Kauta. The Minister of Gender, Labour and Social Development, Henry Tumukunde, was the Chief Guest.
Addressing participants, Archbishop Ssemogerere, who also serves as Chairman of the Commission of the Laity at the Uganda Episcopal Conference, called for intensified public awareness campaigns through various platforms to educate young people and the wider public about the tactics used by human traffickers.
He emphasised the need to equip young people with practical skills, employment opportunities and start-up capital to enable them to establish sustainable livelihoods, noting that the youth remain among the most vulnerable to human trafficking.
The Archbishop also appealed to the government to explore all possible measures to combat both internal and external human trafficking, describing the vice as a serious violation of human dignity, fundamental rights and freedom.
In his address, Minister Henry Tumukunde identified unemployment and poverty as some of the major factors driving human trafficking in Uganda. He noted that many young people, desperate for employment opportunities, are lured into seeking jobs abroad in the hope of securing a better future, only to end up facing suffering, exploitation and abuse.
The Minister revealed that his ministry is restructuring its systems to strengthen the monitoring, screening and accreditation of labour-exporting companies. He said the reforms are intended to ensure that only genuine and properly vetted companies are allowed to facilitate the recruitment and placement of Ugandans in overseas employment.
Speaking at the event, the National Director of Lay Apostolate, Fr. Fredrick Tusingire, described the National Prayer Day as an important platform for reminding individuals and communities about the dangers of human trafficking.
He called for stronger collaboration between government, development partners, religious institutions and other leaders to promote public awareness and commitment to protecting vulnerable populations from exploitation.
Meanwhile, the Director of the St. John Paul II Justice and Peace Centre and Chairperson of the organising committee, Alfred Avuni, urged the general public and organisations to uphold human dignity, justice and peace, particularly among vulnerable communities.
Avuni further called for strengthened efforts to prevent trafficking in persons, safeguard children and provide meaningful support to survivors. He emphasised the need to build an exploitation-free society, noting that this remains one of the key objectives of the St. John Paul II Justice and Peace Centre.
One of the most moving moments of the gathering came when survivors of human trafficking shared their painful testimonies, recounting how they were lured into the hands of traffickers and subjected to various forms of exploitation.
Their accounts highlighted horrific experiences, including sexual exploitation, forced and hard labour, and being compelled to work for days without rest, including prolonged work involving computers. The survivors also spoke of the severe psychological and emotional trauma resulting from their experiences.
The testimonies served as a powerful reminder of the devastating human cost of trafficking and the urgent need for stronger prevention mechanisms, effective protection systems and comprehensive support for survivors.
The National Prayer Day reaffirmed the Uganda Episcopal Conference’s commitment to working with government, religious institutions, civil society organisations and communities to promote human dignity, protect vulnerable people and strengthen the fight against human trafficking in Uganda.
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