Saturday, July 5, 2025-HAN
Source: Nile Post
Moroto businessman Obama being arrested in connection with the trafficking
A total of 110 Eritrean nationals have been arrested in Moroto District for illegally entering Uganda via the Lokitanyala border point along the Uganda–Kenya frontier, prompting a security crackdown amid growing fears of human trafficking.
The migrants, believed to be asylum seekers, were intercepted by joint security forces as they attempted to transit through Moroto en route to Kampala.
Part of the group had been sheltered at a residence in Singila Village belonging to a local businessman known only as Obama.
The first group of 74 Eritreans was intercepted on the night of Wednesday, July 2, at Nadunget Checkpoint, about 10 kilometres from Moroto Town along the Soroti–Moroto highway.
Forty-five of them have already been transferred to Kampala for immigration processing, while others remain in custody at Moroto Central Police Station awaiting transfer.
A second group of 37 Eritrean nationals was arrested the following day at the home of Obama in Singila Village in an operation led by Moroto acting Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Justin Tuko.
Eritreans at a resident in Singila Village, Moroto
Karamoja Regional Police Spokesperson Mike Longole confirmed the arrests and said preliminary investigations point to a potential smuggling or trafficking ring.
“We suspect this could be a well-organized smuggling operation. We are investigating how these individuals crossed into Uganda undetected and who is behind their movement,” Longole said.
RDC Tuko attributed the successful interceptions to heightened intelligence coordination.
“We cannot allow Karamoja to become a transit hub for illegal immigrants. Our borders may be porous, but our vigilance is increasing. We are determined to dismantle these networks,” he stated.
The unexpected influx alarmed local leaders. Moses Loduk, Chairperson of Singila Village, expressed shock over the arrival of a busload of Eritreans in the community.
“I was shocked to see a whole bus bringing foreigners into our village without any explanation. We had no idea what was going on,” Loduk said.
Authorities are working closely with the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control to profile the arrested individuals and determine the next steps, including whether any may qualify for asylum or face repatriation.
Security forces have also issued stern warnings to individuals or businesses aiding in the concealment or transport of illegal migrants, pledging to prosecute anyone found complicit in trafficking or smuggling activities.
