Karimojong Parents Face Arrest for Abandoning Children

Parents of 13 Karimojong children recently intercepted in Soroti from the hands of suspected human traffickers are to be prosecuted.

The resolution to prosecute the parents follows a joint meeting held at Soroti Lukiiko hall between Soroti district officials and those from the Ministry of Gender Labour and Social Development.

The children aged between 5 and 15 were allegedly picked last week in Arapai cattle market in Soroti district. They are currently being kept at Amecet child Development Centre in Soroti.

They were travelling in a taxi registration number UBB 455 D from Apeitolim trading centre in Napak district to Soroti.

Jane Stella Ogwang the principle probation and welfare officer in the department of youth and children’s affairs at the Ministry of Gender halted the process of reuniting victims with their families saying their parents must be arrested and sued.

Ogwang states that releasing the victims would jeopardize the on-going investigations.

“These children should not be taken to Napak unless the tribunal process of their parents is complete. We need to have their parents prosecuted because they are part of the case, and releasing them would only jeopardize investigations. Ogwang said.

Molly Nagiro, the District Probation Officer had suggested that the children be released and reunited with their families meanwhile the matter is being handled.

However, Ogwang rejected the idea saying that people have been trafficking and selling children cheaply at 50,000 shillings to unknown people.

Michael Odongo, the East Kyoga region police spokesperson confirmed that they have so far arrested three suspects; Richard Okileng, a driver of Achowa Sub County in Kapelebyong district together with his conductor and Grace Asio, a resident of Asuret Sub-county in Soroti.