Asante Children and Food Initiative (ACFI) proudly joined the Uganda Episcopal Conference, the Uganda government, and other partners during the National Day of Prayer and awarness against Human Trafficking, held under the theme: “Human Trafficking is Organized Crime – Let’s End Exploitation.”

During the event, His Grace Archbishop Paul Ssemogerere of Kampala strongly condemned human trafficking, describing it as a modern form of slavery that preys on the most vulnerable in society—especially women and children. He noted that beyond the physical harm, survivors live with deep psychological wounds and, in many cases, are left to fend for themselves without justice or support.

For ACFI, the fight against trafficking is closely tied to its mission of ending hunger among children. Hunger and food insecurity in schools are among the hidden drivers of vulnerability, often forcing children to drop out and exposing them to exploitation, including trafficking.

“Every day, we meet children who carry only two pieces of cassava to school, or sometimes go without food entirely. When hunger forces them out of school, they become easy targets for traffickers promising survival,” said Richard Kaggwa-Kalule, Executive Director of ACFI.

By participating in this national event, ACFI reaffirmed its commitment to both tackling the root causes of trafficking—such as poverty and hunger—and joining hands with partners to protect children’s rights and dignity.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs, through its Anti-Trafficking Department, also emphasized that young girls are the most affected demographic due to high youth unemployment. It called for stronger collaboration between government, faith institutions, civil society, and families to combat the crisis.

ACFI stands ready to contribute to this joint effort by ensuring that children are not only fed but also kept in school, where they are safer and more hopeful for a brighter future.

ACFI Administrator posing for a picture after the event in Kampala