Ending Human Trafficking Uganda Project #65406

Support survivors of child trafficking in Uganda

by Hope for Justice

Project Report | Jul 14, 2025
Boys 'confront trauma and reclaim voices' in court

By Melissa Hornby | Strategic Partnerships Manager

The boys at one of our Lighthouses have been acting out legal proceedings as part of a simulation designed to prepare them for participating in live court cases.

They each took on roles within the courtroom, including that of police officer, judge, witness, clerk and counsellor.

Whilst the children from Tuda Lighthouse in Uganda were able to have fun in the process, there was a more serious reason behind their learning. Each one of these boys is in our care because he was either at risk of exploitation or is a survivor of modern slavery. In the future, those who have been exploited may be asked to stand as witnesses against their perpetrators. The simulation (known as a ‘moot court’), run by a professional lawyer, is part of ensuring that these survivors of child trafficking receive comprehensive support, protection and justice. The session also helped to reduce the fear and anxiety the boys might feel about the court process.

One of the boys told us: “Being a prosecutor helped me understand the importance of evidence.”

Another child said: “Playing a judge made me realise my voice matters.”

In addition to meeting the boys’ basic needs for food and shelter, Hope for Justice’s Lighthouses offer catch-up education and life skills, including opportunities for fun and play, as well as learning and empowerment.

Through this simulation activity, the children at Tuda Lighthouse had chance to exercise their critical thinking, public speaking and advocacy skills.

Michael Esalu, one of the teachers at the Lighthouse, who is also Safeguarding Officer, said: “Witnessing survivors engage with our programme has been profoundly impactful. Initially they were hesitant, but as they felt heard and believed, their confidence grew. The safe space we created allowed them to confront their trauma, reclaim their voices and rebuild their sense of self. Through this process, I’ve seen survivors transform from victims to victors, their strength and courage inspiring us all. This learning is not just about healing, it’s about reclaiming their childhood, their identity, and their future.”

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Mar 28, 2025
A Story of Hope

By Melissa Hornby | Strategic Partnerships Manager

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.

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