Support survivors of child trafficking in Uganda

Hope for Justice operates the boys Lighthouse in Kampala, Uganda, a transitional center where we provide holistic aftercare support to male survivors up to the age of 18 who have been recently removed from exploitative situations, including forced labor. At our Lighthouse, we support these children to overcome their trauma, recapture their lives and childhood, and reintegrate into family or community-based care. From 2023-24, Hope for Justice served 253 children on their path to recovery in Uganda and 209 children were reintegrated with their families. 

Peter's Story

Peter (name changed), who was born with several chronic illnesses, was referred to the Lighthouse when found on the streets by the police. Peter was trafficked from his hometown along with several other ill children to beg on the street. They were moved from place to place and expected to meet daily financial targets set by their traffickers. If these targets were not met, the children would not be fed. Peter had many meals withheld and was physically and verbally abused as punishment. He was forced to beg for hours on end in high temperatures and would often faint from exhaustion and dehydration. Peter was initially taken by his traffickers under a charitable guise. A neighbor recommended Peter's mother to induct him into a medical scheme for children with chronic conditions. Impacted by the financial toll of Peter’s extensive medical treatments, his mother agreed, unaware of the true, exploitative nature of the scheme. At our Lighthouse, Peter received comprehensive physical and psychological treatments to aid his recovery. He was severely malnourished upon arrival and was immediately admitted to the hospital. Following months of extensive care, psychosocial support, and counselling, Peter made promising progress, and we managed to trace his family. During his time at the Lighthouse, Peter expressed relief that this horrible episode had ended and that he is on his way to recovery. Upon reintegration, Peter received treatment at a community hospital and now a specialist facility to ensure a continued healthcare plan. Peter is also beginning to reintegrate into mainstream education. 

It is thanks to your invaluable support that child survivors of human trafficking, like Peter, can receive holistic aftercare and reintegration support services through Hope for Justice's boys Lighthouse in Kampala, Uganda. We have made significant strides and supported many child survivors, but there is still much work to do. Your donations will continue to enable boys like Peter to pursue a life of dignity and freedom. Thank you kindly for supporting this important work.