By Marvin Ocol

The Central Police Station (CPS), Budaka is holding seven occupants of a Toyota Hiace registration number UBJ 714V.

This was after the vehicle was intercepted at 2pm yesterday at Nange I village, Nangeye Parish, Naboa Town Council in Budaka district. 

The suspects are: Dogson Erasmus (Eritrean), Samuel Abraham (Ethiopian), Ziyad Abaala Duse (Ethiopian), Even Tesgabr (Eritrean), Luwam Debesay (Eritrean) and her 2-year-old. They are being held for illegal entry into Uganda.

They were being driven by Joseph Apuwaa. Apuwaa and his conductor identified as Ashraf Ndugwa have been arrested for trafficking of persons.

A source investigating the matter says Apuwaa picked his passengers from the Kenyan border and was delivering them to relatives in Kampala.

Upon interrogation, the suspects claim that they are running away from hostilities in their countries.

However, details obtained show that the suspects were residing in Kenya, their point of departure.

Bukedi Region Police Spokesperson ASP Immaculate Alaso confirmed the arrest.

Alaso says charges of human trafficking have been preferred against Apuwaa and Ndugwa while their passengers face charges of illegal.

Further probe is being conducted Vide Budaka CRB 473/2021.