Ugandans trapped in Myanmar slave camps set for repatriation

What the report says

The Ugandan government says 21 citizens trafficked to Myanmar and held in forced-labour compounds are expected to be repatriated next week after months in captivity. According to government spokesperson Allan Kasujja, the group was recruited with false job promises and in some cases believed they were traveling for legitimate work before being trapped in what officials describe as criminal camps. The report says the victims are expected to be transferred through Uganda’s embassy in Yangon once talks between the Ugandan and Myanmar governments are completed.

The Independent Uganda, citing URN and officials, reported that one victim, Felix Adupe, was already released by Myanmar authorities and handed to a nongovernmental organization for medical care and safe custody. Foreign Affairs Minister Adonia Ayebare said the handover involved coordination with an aid group. Kasujja also said about 12 other Ugandans arrested in Zambia in August remain in prison while authorities work to confirm their identities and arrange any possible return.

The article places the case within a wider pattern of trafficking affecting Ugandan job seekers abroad. It says officials have warned citizens to verify foreign employment offers carefully, especially those routed through relatives or acquaintances. The report also notes that Uganda has previously repatriated groups from Myanmar and other countries, reflecting broader concerns about criminal networks that lure migrants with promises of well-paid work and then exploit them in forced labour or scam operations.