Gideon Tumwijukye | Tayari News
KABALE – Police in Kabale District have arrested 72 youths in an operation to crack down on gangs that have been targeting scores across the country.
The arrests were made on Thursday during a security operation mounted by security officials led by the Kabale Deputy Resident District Commissioner, Michael Muramira Kyakashari.
According to Kyakashari, 61 of the arrested youths were lured from different districts across Uganda with promises of employment opportunities, while 11 are suspected to be the masterminds behind the recruitment and training scheme.
“This was an organised network that has been deceiving young people under the guise of offering them jobs and business opportunities,” Kyakashari said during a press briefing at the scene. “Out of the 72 youths we found here, 61 appear to be victims, while 11 are the key suspects behind this operation.”
The group, comprising both males and females, have reportedly been operating under Canan Dream Visionaries Limited, a company that authorities say has been masquerading as an organisation.
Some victims who spoke to our reporter on condition of anonymity said they were asked to pay 15,000 Uganda shillings as a registration fee upon arrival in Kabale from different areas.
“They told us it was just registration,” one of the victims said. “After paying the 15,000 shillings, they started telling us to call our parents and relatives to send more money for training and business packages,” a victim said
Another victim added, “We were told to mobilise between 1.7 and 2.2 million shillings. They said that the more money we raised, the bigger the opportunity we would get. Some of us realised it was not genuine but feared speaking out.”
Kyakashari revealed that most of the youths were recruited from Eastern Uganda, particularly from the districts of Manafwa, Namisindwa, Kween, Pallisa, Iganga, and Soroti, while others were from Western Ugandan districts, including Mbarara, Ntungamo, Rukungiri, Rukiga, Rubanda, Kanungu, Kiruhura, and Kisoro.
“These young people were brought here from different parts of the country. Many of them were desperate for employment, and that is how they were trapped. We call upon parents and guardians to always verify organisations before allowing their children to travel for such opportunities.” He guided, stating that leaders of the scam will be charged in courts of law.
“We are investigating offences related to obtaining money by false pretence, human trafficking, and suspected involvement in rebel-related activities. We have recovered documents and electronic gadgets that will help us in our investigations,” Kashari said.