UPDF Officer Caught in Human Trafficking Scandal
By The Public Lens
A Uganda Peoples Defense Force officer, Staff Sergeant Alex Todwong, has been arrested for allegedly trafficking three girls from Alebtong District.
Todwong, attached to the 3rd Division headquarters in Moroto, deceived the girls’ family by promising to help them join the army.
The victims, Semi-Gift Akullo, 18, Rachel Akullo, 18, and Lucy Abote, 17, were taken from their home in Abunga Village.
Todwong demanded 900,000 UGX to facilitate their enlistment, but none participated in the recruitment exercise.
The girls accused Todwong of confiscating their phones, cutting off communication with their family.
They also reported sexual abuse, alleging Todwong had unprotected relations with them.
While at Moroto barracks, Todwong allegedly forbade them from speaking out, threatening violence if they revealed their situation.
The girls’ father, Alfred Abal, believed they were in a UPDF training school until a concerned citizen informed him.
On October 13, 2024, Abal reported the incident to police, leading to the girls’ rescue.
A case of aggravated trafficking in persons has been registered at Alebtong Central Police Station.
The North Kyoga Regional Police spokesperson warned parents against bribing recruitment officers, emphasizing merit-based recruitment.
Efforts are underway to transfer Todwong to Alebtong District for prosecution.
