Government Warns of Rising Online Human Trafficking as Scam Compounds Emerge

What the report says

Nile Post reports that Uganda’s government has warned that human traffickers are increasingly using digital platforms to recruit and exploit victims, with officials saying online scam compounds are beginning to appear inside the country. The warning came Thursday during the Ministry of Internal Affairs’ launch of the 2025 National Report on Counter Trafficking in Persons, held to mark World Day Against Trafficking in Persons.

According to the report cited by Nile Post, police recorded 1,002 trafficking cases in 2025, down from 1,068 in 2024. Authorities forwarded 393 case files to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, and 42 convictions were secured. Children were the largest identified victim group, with 555 reported victims. Internal Affairs Minister Prof. Ephraim Kamuntu said traffickers are shifting from physical recruitment toward online deception, including false job offers, and said enforcement would focus on stronger investigations, prosecutions, border controls and international cooperation.

The International Organization for Migration told the launch that Ugandan job seekers, including graduates, have been trafficked to scam compounds in Southeast Asia and forced into online fraud schemes. IOM official Sarah Carl also warned, according to Nile Post, that similar operations are now emerging locally. She urged job seekers to verify recruitment agencies and said safer labour migration routes and more local opportunities are needed.

The Uganda Child Rights NGO Network said traffickers are exploiting platforms such as Facebook, WhatsApp, TikTok, Instagram, Telegram and X to advertise fake work, education or business opportunities. The group called for tighter oversight of labour recruiters, stronger digital literacy, action against fraudulent online recruitment and closer coordination among government, civil society, technology companies and law enforcement.