Businessman Tejas Patel Granted Bail in Shs100M Bond Human Trafficking Case

What the report says

KAMPALA — Businessman and insurance broker Tejas Patel has been granted bail by the Makindye Magistrate’s Court while facing 15 counts of alleged aggravated human trafficking, according to Watchdog Uganda. The court set his cash bail at Shs7 million, and his sureties were required to post non-cash bonds of Shs100 million each.

The publication reported that Patel is also subject to strict release conditions. He may not leave Uganda, and his passport has been held by the state. He is due back in court on November 9, 2026. The case also involves co-accused Yogesh Yadav, who had previously been granted bail.

Watchdog Uganda said prosecutors filed an amended charge sheet alleging that Patel, Yadav and other suspects still at large recruited, transported, harbored or received 15 people in Kampala’s Muyenga area between February and September 2026. The state claims the activity involved deception and payments tied to prostitution or sexual exploitation. Patel and Yadav deny the allegations and remain presumed innocent as the case continues.

The matter has drawn attention from the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, which is monitoring the proceedings. More broadly, the case highlights official concern about unlawful recruitment networks and the risks facing jobseekers, though the court’s bail ruling is not a determination of guilt.