Mwagale Foundation and Uganda Catholic Church Hold National Prayer and Awareness Event on Human Trafficking

Kampala, Uganda – 11th September 2025
Mwagale Foundation, in partnership with the Uganda Catholic Church, hosted a national prayer and awareness event on human trafficking at Nsambya Sharing Hall on 11th September 2025. The gathering brought together religious leaders, government officials, civil society organisations, and survivor advocates in a unified call to end human trafficking and protect vulnerable communities across the country.

Delivering the keynote message, Archbishop Paul Ssemwogerere stressed that people of faith and conscience cannot remain silent while children, women, and men remain trapped in the chains of modern-day slavery. He called on the government to intensify national efforts, strengthen justice systems, and prioritise the protection of vulnerable populations, especially children and women who face the highest risk of exploitation.

Representing the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Deputy Coordinator Basalirwa Kigenyi Derek presented alarming national statistics, noting that Uganda recorded 1,068 human trafficking cases in 2024, including 597 involving children, a 55.5% increase compared to 2023. He urged parents and guardians to remain vigilant, especially during school holidays and reopening seasons, which historically see spikes in trafficking cases.

Mwagale Foundation’s Founder and CEO, Ndagire Joanita, herself a survivor of human trafficking, reaffirmed the organisation’s dedication to supporting survivors through comprehensive healing, empowerment, and reintegration programmes. She emphasised the importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration, bringing together government agencies, NGOs, faith institutions, and foreign embassies to advance justice and dignity for survivors.

The event highlighted the critical intersection of faith, advocacy, and community action, demonstrating that prayer and awareness are powerful tools in mobilising national efforts against trafficking. Partners collectively committed to strengthening prevention, protection, and rehabilitation initiatives across Uganda.

Mwagale Foundation expresses its gratitude to all participating institutions and individuals for standing together in this national effort. The Foundation remains steadfast in its mission to advocate for survivors, champion their voices, and work toward a Uganda free from exploitation.