Four suspects accused of operating an online sex trafficking network have been charged with aggravated trafficking in persons and remanded to Luzira Prison as investigations into the case continue.
The suspects were identified as Vivian Kobela, 21, a resident of Mbalwa in Namugongo, Wakiso District; Martha Lubango, 20, of Kyaliwajjala; Irene Nazziwa, 22; and Juma Oguti, 28, a security guard.
The four appeared before Kira Chief Magistrate Ivan Seguya and were charged under the Prevention of Trafficking in Persons Act. Kobela, Lubango, and Nazziwa each face 26 counts of aggravated trafficking in persons, while Oguti was charged with 22 counts related to the same offence.
The accused (Photo: New Vision)
Because the charges are capital in nature, the accused were not allowed to enter pleas, as such cases can only be tried by the High Court.
Court heard that two other suspects, Madina Namatovu, 20, and Aminah Nalubega, 26, who had earlier been released on police bond, have not yet returned to police as required. Prosecutor Kate Basuuta informed court that investigations are still ongoing and that authorities are pursuing two additional principal suspects believed to be on the run.
The case was adjourned to July 2.
According to the prosecution, the accused and others still at large allegedly recruited, transported, harboured and received several victims, including a 17-year-old girl identified as Saida Nangobi, between September 2025 and May 2026 in Mbalwa, Wakiso District.
Investigators allege that the victims were lured through fraud, deception and exploitation of vulnerability before being subjected to harmful child labour and sexual exploitation.
Police say the network allegedly used flashy lifestyles displayed on social media as a recruitment tool to attract young women. Beyond online livestreaming activities, detectives believe some victims were sent to exclusive Airbnb parties and private hotel gatherings in areas including Namugongo, Kira, Bulindo, Kisaasi, Najeera and Mukono.
Some organisers are also accused of drugging food and drinks during these gatherings to make it easier to exploit vulnerable victims.
Investigators further claim that several victims were groomed to work as escorts for wealthy and influential clients staying in high-end hotels across Kampala and Wakiso, with organisers allegedly taking the largest share of the proceeds.
As investigations deepen, authorities have turned their attention to fugitive suspect Martin Male, who is believed to have foreign connections and financial backers helping sustain the operation from behind the scenes.
Detectives say the case has exposed a troubling mix of poverty, social media influence, organised exploitation, drug abuse and economic hardship that leaves many young people vulnerable to trafficking networks.
According to the 2025 Police Annual Crime Report, Uganda recorded 12,606 sex-related offences, down from 14,425 cases reported in 2024. The report also noted that the majority of victims were female juveniles. During the same period, police registered 1,569 cases involving narcotic and psychotropic substances.
Authorities say investigations are ongoing as they work to uncover the full extent of the alleged trafficking network and identify additional victims and suspects.
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