40 young Somalis have gone missing from Kampala, Uganda, in early February 2025

The silent tragedy: Somali youth disappearing in Uganda

In a deeply disturbing development, over 40 young Somalis have gone missing from Kampala, Uganda, in early February 2025. Reports indicate that these individuals have been trafficked to Libya, where criminal networks are demanding ransoms of up to $20,000 per person.

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A growing human trafficking crisis

For years, human trafficking has plagued vulnerable communities, and the Somali diaspora is no exception. Mr. Kalif Mohamed, Vice Chairperson of the Somali Community Association in Uganda, has sounded the alarm, stating that hundreds of young Somalis have been trafficked over the past five years. These trafficking rings operate with shocking impunity, involving individuals of various nationalities who prey on desperation and false promises of a better future.

Alarmingly, reports suggest that those not sold within 90 days face an even grimmer fate—some are auctioned off to entities engaged in organ trafficking. This highlights the sheer brutality of these networks, which view human lives as commodities.

Why is this happening?

Several factors contribute to this humanitarian catastrophe:

• Economic hardship: Many young Somalis seek better opportunities, making them easy targets for traffickers promising work or migration routes to Europe.
• Weak law enforcement: Corruption and lack of cross-border collaboration allow trafficking networks to thrive.
• Libya’s notorious slave trade: Once in Libya, many migrants are subjected to forced labor, torture, and sexual exploitation in militia-run detention centers.

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What needs to be done?

The Somali community in Uganda, alongside human rights activists, is urging both national and international organizations to take immediate action:

• Stronger law enforcement: The Ugandan government must intensify efforts to dismantle these trafficking networks and prosecute those involved.
• International pressure on Libya: Global organizations, including the UN and AU, must put pressure on Libyan authorities to close trafficking routes and protect victims.
• Community awareness: Grassroots campaigns are needed to educate Somali youth about the dangers of human trafficking and the deceptive tactics used by traffickers.

The global Somali community must speak up

This crisis is not just Uganda’s problem—it affects the entire Somali diaspora. Families, community leaders, and activists must unite to amplify the voices of those affected. Governments in Somalia, Uganda, and Libya must be held accountable for protecting these vulnerable individuals.

This humanitarian crisis must not be ignored. Share this story, raise awareness, and demand action before more lives are lost to these ruthless trafficking networks.