Human trafficking as a national security challenge to Uganda: A case of Kampala Metropolitan area in Uganda

Abstract

The study was about the impact of human trafficking on the national security in Uganda: a case study of Kampala metropolitan area in Uganda. The study was guided by the following objectives: To examine the causes of human trafficking to establish the effects of human trafficking to the national security and to examine the strategies that can be adopted to curb human trafficking. The study used a case study design both qualitative and quantitative approaches of data collection and analysis so as to capture the details and adequate information. The study population was 280 and a sample size of 162. Simple random sampling was used to select the sample; self-administered questionnaire and interview guide were the main data collection instruments used. The study discovered that, among the cases of human trafficking include poverty and unemployment, high demand for cheap labour, domestic violence and social exclusion which results from a cultural practices, corruption in government officials. Existing laws being lenient on perpetrators, Ugandans being greedy for money, poor implementation of existing laws and the desire for well-paying jobs. The study found to that, human trafficking impacts on the national security by threatening public safety, Undermining law enforcement efforts, undercutting the ability of the government to promote peace and security, promoting terrorism and rebelism, fuels conflicts and insecurity through fuelling conflict by enabling armed and extremist groups to raise income and expand their power and military capabilities. It can also be concluded that, the most strategies to improve averting women trafficking through Witness Protection, compensation of victims, use transparency approaches, formation of Task Forces and training police officers..The study recommended that the stakeholders in the fight against human trafficking which in most cases lead to forced labour and sexual exploitation among others should embrace new technology in tracking and detecting the traffickers as well as the practice through establishment of an inter-link between local and international investigating agencies in addition to enhancing training of investigators. There is need to strengthen detection and investigation processes with a view to stemming out corruption which is reportedly rampant and affecting investigation. There is need to apply the anti-trafficking law to investigate and prosecute trafficking offenses, convict and punish trafficking offenders including government officials suspected of complicity in human trafficking”. Local communities should be empowered technically and financially to care for and protect their children”.