Day 5 (Closing Ceremony): Strengthening Judicial and Forensic Responses to Human Trafficking
Updated: 2 hours ago
Day 5 concluded UNAFRI's Capacity-Building Training on Human Trafficking for the Uganda Police Force with sessions on judicial and forensic processes, emerging trafficking trends, the effects of child trafficking on families and the application of standard operating procedures in managing trafficking cases.
The day's facilitators were Lady Justice Alice Komuhangi Khaukha; SSP Kalungi Frederick Jonathan, who delivered the forensic-evidence session on behalf of ACP Andrew Mubiru, Director of Forensics; Mr. Munanura Andrew Karokora, Acting Director General of UNAFRI; ACP Atuhaire Maureen, Head of the Child and Family Protection Unit; and SCP Dr. Kamya John.
Building cases that can withstand judicial scrutiny
Lady Justice Alice Komuhangi Khaukha facilitated a session on judicial processes in handling Trafficking in Persons cases. Her central message to investigators was direct: "Choose not to murder cases".
She emphasized that courts could not remedy investigations that had been poorly conducted. Evidence needed to be properly collected, preserved, documented and presented if a case was to survive judicial scrutiny.
The session addressed pre-trial disclosure, case documentation, witness protection, confidentiality and the effective use of forensic and digital evidence. Participants were also encouraged to look beyond a victim's testimony and identify corroborative evidence capable of supporting the case.
Lady Justice Khaukha further explained that delayed reporting, inconsistent statements, failure to escape or a victim's return to a trafficker should not automatically be treated as evidence of dishonesty. Investigators needed to consider the vulnerability, coercion, dependency and trauma that could influence a survivor's behaviour.
Using forensic evidence to strengthen investigations
SSP Kalungi Frederick Jonathan delivered the session on forensic evidence on behalf of ACP Andrew Mubiru, Director of Forensics. The session highlighted the role of science in connecting victims, suspects and crime scenes and in building cases that did not depend solely on victim testimony.
Participants examined the importance of processing crime scenes before making arrests, preserving the chain of custody and connecting evidence to the recruitment, transportation and exploitation stages of trafficking.
The session also explored the use of digital, biological, fingerprint, medical and financial evidence. Investigators were encouraged to work closely with scenes-of-crime officers and forensic specialists, recognising that a trafficking crime scene could extend across several locations and jurisdictions.
Forensic intelligence and open-source intelligence could also help investigators identify links between suspects, transactions, locations and wider trafficking networks. When handled correctly, individual fragments of evidence could be brought together to present a coherent account capable of withstanding scrutiny in court.
Protecting children and supporting affected families
ACP Atuhaire Maureen, Head of the Child and Family Protection Unit, facilitated a session on Trafficking in Persons and its impact on children and their families.
The session highlighted the importance of responding to reported cases promptly, protecting child victims and supporting families throughout the investigative process. Participants considered the need for unbiased investigations, survivor reintegration and accountability for those responsible for exploiting children.
ACP Atuhaire reminded participants that every child trafficking case affected an entire family. Behind every missing or exploited child were relatives seeking answers, protection and justice. A professional response therefore needed to protect both the child and the family while avoiding actions that could cause further harm.
Responding to emerging trafficking methods
Mr. Munanura Andrew Karokora, Acting Director General of UNAFRI, discussed the growing complexity of trafficking investigations as criminal methods continued to evolve.
He highlighted limited digital and cybercrime capacity, inadequate resources for complex investigations, weaknesses in first-response and crime-scene management, gaps in witness protection and the need for stronger cross-border cooperation.
Online recruitment, trafficking for organ removal, exploitation in border and transit areas and increasingly sophisticated criminal networks were among the emerging challenges discussed. These developments required investigators to strengthen their digital capabilities and move from a largely reactive approach towards intelligence-led investigations.
The session reinforced the importance of professionalism and integrity. Resources and investigative systems were essential, but their effectiveness ultimately depended on officers applying them responsibly and maintaining public trust.
Applying standard operating procedures
SCP Dr Kamya John guided participants through the application of standard operating procedures in managing trafficking cases.
The session reinforced the value of a consistent and coordinated response from the initial report through investigation, victim protection, referral and case preparation. Standard procedures help investigators clarify responsibilities, maintain professional conduct and ensure that important investigative and protection measures are not overlooked.
Their consistent application is particularly important in cases involving several police units, government agencies, service providers or jurisdictions. It supports continuity, accountability and cooperation while keeping the protection and dignity of victims at the centre of the response.
Closing the training and translating knowledge into action
The technical training sessions were followed by the official closing ceremony, which marked the successful completion of the week-long training. Hon. Prof. Ephraim Kamuntu, Minister of Internal Affairs, presided over the ceremony as Chief Guest.
Mr. Munanura Andrew Karokora reaffirmed UNAFRI's commitment to strengthening Africa's capacity to combat trafficking in persons. He noted that survivor experiences demonstrated why victim protection, regional cooperation and continuous capacity-building remained urgent priorities.
Hon. John Mulimba, Chairperson of the UNAFRI Governing Board, commended the successful completion of UNAFRI's first capacity-building training for Uganda Police investigators on trafficking in persons. He encouraged participants to share the knowledge acquired with their colleagues, strengthen regional collaboration and remain committed to protecting vulnerable people from trafficking networks.
Deputy Inspector General of Police James Ochaya urged investigators to apply their new skills with professionalism, reject corruption and strengthen prevention through community awareness. He also called upon participants to uphold public trust and champion a people-centred, victim-focused response.
Hon. Prof. Ephraim Kamuntu, Minister of Internal Affairs, underscored the importance of scientific investigations, digital capabilities and integrity in responding to trafficking in persons. He challenged the newly trained investigators to translate knowledge into action and strengthen Uganda's response to an increasingly sophisticated transnational crime.
Recognizing achievement and strengthening partnerships
Participants received certificates marking their successful completion of the training, while facilitators were recognised for the expertise, dedication and commitment they contributed throughout the programme.
The officers returned to their duty stations with strengthened knowledge and practical investigative skills to support victim protection, disrupt trafficking networks and advance justice.
Across the five days, the training connected investigative planning, interviewing, victim protection, financial and digital investigations, intelligence, evidence management, forensic processes and judicial requirements. It also strengthened the professional relationships and inter-agency cooperation required to respond effectively to trafficking cases.
One week of shared learning concluded with one mission: building stronger partnerships to break the chain of human trafficking.
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