By ARU Reporter
St. Bakhita Anti-Human Trafficking Network Uganda, on 30 July 2026 , organized andcommemorated the World Day against Trafficking in Persons, at our Lady of Charity of the Good Shepherd grounds in Kampala under the theme “Protecting Dignity Together Against Human Trafficking”.
The event brought together women considered most vulnerable to traffickers including single mothers, widows, and women living in informal settlements to equip them with knowledge that could save lives. The network’s key partners like JohnPaul II Justice and Peace Center and the Justice Coalition of Religious were also present.
Sr. Semerita Mbambu – CSC, Director of St Bakhita Anti-human Trafficking Network Uganda, explained that they chose to mark the day with women, because they are among the most vulnerable to human trafficking. “By creating awareness, we empower them to recognize the dangers before they become victims”, Sr. Semerita added.
What made the day especially powerful was not only the awareness sessions but also the voices of survivors themselves. Women who had endured trafficking, including exploitation after travelling to Saudi Arabia for work, shared deeply personal testimonies of deception, abuse and eventual restoration. Their stories were painful reminders of the realities many Ugandans continue to face, but they were also living proof that healing is possible.
For many in attendance, hearing directly from survivors transformed statistics into human experiences. It replaced fear with understanding and silence with determination.
The St. Bakhita Anti-Human Trafficking Network has spent nearly four years walking alongside survivors, while its direct rehabilitation journey with many women has continued over the past year. During this period, the network has reached and supported more than 300 survivors of human trafficking, offering counselling, accompaniment and pathways toward rebuilding their lives. The impact of this work is becoming increasingly evident.
According to Sr. Semerita, more than 85 percent of the survivors they have accompanied have shown significant improvement in their mental well-being following counselling and continued psychosocial support. Most survivors served are women aged 19 to 40 years, although men are also increasingly being identified and supported. Yet the work is far from over.
While the organization has assisted hundreds of survivors in Kampala, many victims remain hidden, trapped by fear, stigma or ongoing exploitation. The Network acknowledges that numerous survivors have yet to come forward, underscoring the urgent need for continued community awareness, survivor-centred services and stronger partnerships to prevent trafficking before it begins.
The World Day commemoration therefore became more than an annual event; it became a call to action. Participants prayed for those still trapped in trafficking situations while celebrating those who have regained their dignity. Interactive learning sessions, survivor testimonies and community dialogue reminded everyone present that ending human trafficking requires collective responsibility.
As the event that ended with the Holy Sacrifice of Mass presided over by Fr Okwairwoth Angelo concluded, one message remained unmistakably clear: Restoring dignity begins with awareness, compassion and the courage to stand with survivors.
For the women gathered that day, knowledge became protection. For survivors, sharing their stories became an act of healing. And for the St. Bakhita Anti-Human Trafficking Network Uganda, every restored life is evidence that even after unimaginable exploitation, hope can rise again.
