KISORO, UGANDA – The Chief Magistrate’s Court in Kisoro has postponed the hearings of two separate human trafficking cases due to the absence of complainants and key witnesses, highlighting challenges in prosecuting such offenses.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Presiding over the session, Chief Magistrate His Worship Kenneth Komakech adjourned the case against Bariyanga Rahabu, a woman in her 20s accused of trafficking in persons.
State Prosecutor Ainomugisha Christopher informed the court that the hearing could not proceed because both the complainant and witnesses were absent, prompting his request for an adjournment.
In response, Chief Magistrate Komakech granted the prosecution’s request and advised the accused, Bariyanga Rahabu, to contact her relatives to explore the possibility of bail to avoid remaining in indefinite custody.
The court subsequently adjourned the case to October 15,2025, for a further hearing, while a second human trafficking case faced a similar fate during the same session.
The matter involving Muhumza Lucky and Niyonzima Simon, who are jointly accused of trafficking in persons, was also called for a hearing.The State again reported that the complainant and witnesses had failed to appear.
Given the circumstances, Chief Magistrate Komakech postponed this joint case to October 22, 2025, to allow the prosecution time to produce its witnesses.
The consecutive adjournments underscore the procedural hurdles often faced in advancing complex human trafficking trials, with the court now awaiting progress from the state in the coming weeks.
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