A New Chapter in the Fight Against Human Trafficking: MoU Signed with John Paul II Justice and Peace Centre

We are thrilled to announce a significant milestone in our journey towards combating human trafficking in Uganda! Today, June 12th, 2025, marks a momentous occasion as St. Bakhita Anti-Human Trafficking Network Uganda officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the esteemed John Paul II Justice and Peace Centre (JP2JPC). This partnership represents a powerful convergence of our shared values and a commitment to working collaboratively for a more just and harmonious society, free from the scourge of human trafficking. The John Paul II Justice and Peace Centre is a faith-based organization committed to addressing social injustices in Uganda, including combating human trafficking, through research, advocacy, training, and collaboration. St. Bakhita Anti-Human Trafficking Network Uganda is dedicated to combating human trafficking and modern slavery in Uganda, working through a network of religious institutes to provide prevention, protection, and support to victims. Our objectives include creating awareness among religious institutes and clergy about human trafficking, conducting awareness campaigns for youth, women, and children in various communities, building the capacity of religious institutes in combating this crime, and amplifying participation in the prevention, prosecution, protection, and rehabilitation of human trafficking survivors. Our decision to formalize this collaboration through an MoU stems from a deep mutual respect for each other's work and a recognition of the immense potential when our strengths are combined to effectively address the complex issue of human trafficking in Uganda. This agreement, which commences on the date of signing and remains in effect for a period of five (5) years , establishes a framework for collaboration to amplify our synergies and capacities in combating human trafficking and modern slavery in Uganda. This collaboration will focus on key areas to strengthen our anti-human trafficking efforts, including: Awareness Creation and Sensitization: Jointly developing and implementing public awareness campaigns on the causes, consequences, and prevention of human trafficking, and conducting joint workshops, seminars, and community outreach events. Advocacy: Collaborating in advocating for stronger anti-trafficking legislation, policies, and their effective implementation at local, national, and regional levels, and jointly engaging with government agencies, policymakers, and other stakeholders on human trafficking issues. Rehabilitation and Support for Survivors: Establishing referral mechanisms for survivors to access appropriate rehabilitation and support services provided by St. Bakhita Network and its members, exploring opportunities for joint projects aimed at enhancing the quality and scope of survivor support, and sharing expertise and best practices in providing psychosocial support, reintegration assistance, and economic empowerment opportunities for survivors. Legal Issues: Collaborating on identifying legal gaps and challenges faced by survivors of human trafficking, exploring opportunities for joint legal aid initiatives and advocacy for the legal rights of survivors, and sharing information and expertise on relevant national and international legal frameworks. Resource Mobilization: Jointly exploring and pursuing funding opportunities from national and international donors to support collaborative projects and initiatives aimed at combating human trafficking. Under this MoU, St. Bakhita Network Uganda will provide expertise on the realities of human trafficking in Uganda and the needs of survivors, coordinate the involvement of its member religious institutes in joint activities, and lead in the provision of direct victim support and rehabilitation services. JPIIJPC will provide expertise in advocacy, policy analysis, and legal frameworks related to human rights and justice, lead in engaging with policymakers and advocating for systemic change, and contribute to research and documentation efforts to inform advocacy and interventions. The signing of this MoU is not merely a formality; it is a declaration of our shared vision and a renewed commitment to creating a Uganda where justice prevails, human trafficking is eradicated, and peace flourishes. We are incredibly excited about the opportunities this partnership will unlock and the positive change we can achieve together. We extend our sincere gratitude to the leadership and team at the John Paul II Justice and Peace Centre for their trust, enthusiasm, and willingness to embark on this journey with us. We look forward to a fruitful and impactful collaboration that will undoubtedly contribute to the well-being and protection of our communities in Uganda.