Uganda is a country of origin, transit and destination for people on the move, and is the largest host country in Africa, with about 1.7 million refugees and asylum seekers (UNHCR, 2023). The main push factors for Ugandans leaving their home are employment opportunities elsewhere, poverty and environmental risks from drought. Out of necessity, many migrants travel irregularly, making them particularly vulnerable to falling into the hands of criminal networks that exploit and traffic people for profit.
Since 2016, the Better Migration Management (BMM) Programme, funded by the European Union (EU) and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), has been cooperating with Uganda on the guiding question: How to counter human trafficking and better protect migrants?
In the search for long-term and far-reaching solutions, digital tools are an important key. What this means in practice is illustrated by the following two stories of data-driven solutions and the people behind them.
Online service directory: Locate protection services easily online
Migrants stranded or in transit, often exhausted from an arduous journey, may not know where to go for help and care services. People in need, especially survivors of trafficking are often referred to a number of different contact points before receiving the service they need. At the same time, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), which are at the forefront of providing help to migrants in need, face difficulties in reaching their target group, highlighting the need for a sustainable solution for the referral of migrants and victims of trafficking.
In Uganda, the BMM Programme supported the Coalition Against Trafficking in Persons Uganda (CATIP-U) in bringing together CSOs to facilitate the mapping of existing protection services in the region and to classify the different needs of migrants. CATIP-U is a national network of about 30 CSOs that fosters collaboration among members and works with Uganda’s National Task Force on Prevention of Trafficking in Persons. The mapped and classified services were then transformed into an online service directory, a website application that allows people seeking protection or advice to research online and connect directly with organisations that provide shelter, medical care and more. Phillip Ayazika, volunteer for CATIP-U and Programme Manager with Pollicy Uganda, a CSO that promotes the use of data and digital rights, appreciates the online service directory as “an invaluable resource in supporting migrants and victims of human trafficking seeking information.”
“The platform solves the problem of the numerous referrals and makes it possible to efficiently provide the help needed to those affected,” explains CATIP-U’s Executive Director, Lydia Bwiite. “Now, you just go and select the exact service you need from a wide range of offers.” For instance, protection services include the provision of legal aid for prosecuting human trafficking cases. This holds perpetrators accountable for their crimes and contributes to safer migration routes.
The CATIP-U secretariat coordinates the platform, approves new organisations and edits existing content. Regular updates make the online service directory a reliable and sustainable tool, ensuring that those in need get help quickly and directly.
Take a look at the online service directory here.
The who, when and where of human trafficking cases in one database
“Without figures, you cannot support the development of policies. By capturing data and information on trafficking trends, we will be able to identify where more effort is needed and where resources should be allocated to prevent the crime more effectively.” Commissioner of Police, Twinomujuni Julius, who is the National Coordinator of the Coordination Office for the Prevention of Trafficking in Persons (COPTIP) under the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MoIA), describes the benefits behind the creation of the National Trafficking in Persons (TiP) Database. He highlights that the number of human trafficking cases in Uganda has been on the rise, partly due to increased awareness of trafficking in persons, as people are able to identify and report this crime.
In order to prevent and suppress trafficking in persons, COPTIP develops measures and policies to protect, assist and support survivors of trafficking. First achievements are the National Action Plan and National Referral Guidelines, developed with the support of BMM.
Another milestone was the development of the National TiP Database, which was launched on 30 July 2023, the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons. It will be used to report and follow up on cases of trafficking, keeping a history of victims and perpetrators, which will be “instrumental in providing figures to support the development of anti-trafficking policies,” says National Coordinator Twinomujuni Julius. The National TiP Database also allows the Ugandan government to refer victims to certified CSOs for protection and reintegration. Based on data-based trends, needs and gaps, the Database helps to adapt and expand anti-trafficking and prevention efforts.
Civil society organisations play an important role in the identification of victims of trafficking. They provide the services needed, for example family reunification, or refer victims and vulnerable migrants to other actors.
The launch event of the online service directory and the National TiP Database began with a “solidarity Walk” in Kampala to raise awareness of the situation of victims of trafficking and for the promotion and protection of their rights.
IOM chief of mission Sanusi Tejan Savage launches the National TiP Database with his signature.
About the project
The Better Migration Management (BMM) Programme enables national authorities and institutions to manage safe, orderly and regular migration by applying a human rights-based approach, and to address trafficking in human beings and the smuggling of migrants within and from the Horn of Africa region. The programme started in 2016 and is funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and the European Union (EU). It is currently in its 3rd phase, which runs until September 2025. BMM is implemented by British Council, CIVIPOL, IOM, UNODC and GIZ, who is in the lead of the implementing partnership. The partner countries are Ethiopia, Djibouti, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan and Uganda.
Find out more about the BMM Programme on our websites on INTPA and GIZ.