Kampala, Uganda.
The International Crimes Division of the High Court has recently delivered a verdict, convicting the General Manager of Middle East Consultants, a labour recruitment company, for promoting trafficking in persons. The case revolved around the forgery of documents and the illegal facilitation of migrant workers’ departure from Uganda. The conviction followed a plea bargain, resulting in fines and concurrent imprisonment terms.
The incident took place in February 2019 when Kyalimpa Godfrey and Kunywana Benon, both holding positions in Middle East Consultants, forged a list of migrant workers. This falsified document, which included unauthorized additions, was presented to an Airport Operations Officer at Entebbe Airport, with the intention of facilitating the workers’ departure as migrants. However, their illegal activities were uncovered during airport scrutiny, leading to their subsequent arrest and charges of promoting trafficking in persons and forgery.
During the trial, the accused individuals opted for a plea bargain, acknowledging their involvement in the criminal acts. Presiding over the case, Justice Wejuli Richard imposed fines of 2 million Ugandan Shillings for each count of promoting trafficking in persons, with default imprisonment terms of 2 years and 10 days. Additionally, a fine of 3 million Ugandan Shillings was imposed for the forgery charge, with a default imprisonment term of 3 years and 10 days. It’s important to note that the prison terms will run concurrently.
The successful prosecution of this case was led by Okui Jacqueline, a Senior State Attorney in the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions. This verdict serves as a stern warning against human trafficking and demonstrates the commitment of the legal system to combat such heinous crimes.
