In partnership with Pallisa Community Based Development Initiative, Artist William Mpaata Otako of the FourSum Uganda and theatre Play Wright have waged a war against Child trafficking in a campaign dubbed #EndChildTraffickingUG Campaign 2016.
Otako told The Sunrise that the issue of Trafficking is one of the major Un-mentioned evils
That is eating up the country. He suggests that many do it with no knowledge that they are involved in Trafficking.
“ The issue of child trafficking is at all levels even though some people do it unknowingly , Child trafficking hails from village level, families, community leaders and police who opt not to play their part in sensitizing the public, providing information on who is involved among others” Otako
Aidah Nalubowa a volunteer with Child Trafficking explained that that Some get involved without knowing like Child Labour , sex exploitation, giving out money to beggars is also Child Trafficking.
She Further explained that the rising levels of Poverty is also largely aiding Trafficking especially in the Urban centres.
Otako who is also propped up by Wrist House Uganda, and Vital Voices,#EndChildTraffickingUG campaign is organizing community-based theatre performance,senstisation, documentary film, and workshop session on the issues of child trafficking.
To date, there is a challenge in acquiring comprehensive data on the extent of child trafficking a fact attributed to the clandestine nature of child trafficking, the general lack of awareness, and the barriers children all across Uganda face in seeking help and self-identifying as victims.
Otako noted that he was horrified when a police officer in Pallisa claimed that he didn’t know about Child trafficking a gesture which Otako attributes to improper sensitization.
Currently the project is in Wakiso and Kampala as planned for June until December and Otako says He will be working with schools and community-based organizations of both Kampala and Wakiso.
