The Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID) Anti-Human Trafficking Department in Bulenga and Mukono have in custody, a self-styled pastor they identify as Jackline Kisoma, 34, together with her husband, a one Daniel Kisoma, 42, over alleged human trafficking.
Police spokesperson Fred Enanga said that the couple has allegedly been harbouring three students from St. Francis Nursing School, Namataba in Mukono district for over two months after recruiting them into the cult.
He said the pastor was operating in a rented house in Nakuwadde, with only two bedrooms, where a total of 21 people were being accommodated.
Investigations commenced when the mother of one of the victims visited her at school only to find she had left school, two months back.
“Her church is not registered, but only fellowships and teaches the Bible at her home. Her teachings are against education, which they claim is useless and there was no need for studying in schools. The religious cult was also against hospitals, in case one fell sick, they would just pray for the person and block them from going to the hospital. And once a person is recruited, he or she confined in the premises, and prohibited from moving out,” Enanga said in a statement.
Three other colleagues, of hers who included; Nakiganda Kwagala Amina, aged 23, Nampera Angel, a 19-year-old nursing student of Wantoni Mukono and Nagita Favor, aged 18, all students of the Nursing School recovered.
In addition, Giita Justine Nakintu, the wife to Giita Edward, who works as a tailor in Nakuwadde, and their children, Giita Jeremiah aged 10, Giita Jessy, aged 11 and Giita Desire aged 5, were rescued. Also recovered, are 5 children of Pastor, Kisoma who included; Kisoma Jaira Betthel, aged 7, Kisoma Daniel, aged 5, Kisoma Gabriella Loy aged 9, Kisoma Happy Precious aged 12, and Kisoma Blessed Jethro, aged 3. Two female adults were also rescued from the premises, these include; Akugizibwe Josephine a 27-year-old, female adult from Kibale district and Kuteesa Joans, a 40-year-old, female adult from Kakumiro.
In the meantime, the case file has been submitted to the DPP for legal guidance on the charges of human trafficking and unlawful confinement.