Uganda's Minister of State for Internal Affairs, Hon. Juma Witonze Kisekka, urged global leaders to strengthen cross-border cooperation against online scams during the International Conference on Combating Online Scams (ICCOS) 2026 in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Speaking on June 15, 2026, Kisekka highlighted the exploitation of Ugandan youth through fraudulent overseas employment schemes, which often lead to trafficking into scam networks. He emphasized the necessity of joint investigations and improved information exchange to dismantle these criminal operations, stating, "We need faster information sharing and joint investigations to effectively dismantle these transnational criminal networks and trace illicit proceeds."
Kisekka specifically addressed the plight of Ugandans coerced into participating in online fraud, advocating for judicial and investigative capacity-building to protect victims rather than prosecuting them as offenders. His remarks followed growing international concern over scam networks leveraging deceptive job offers to recruit and exploit vulnerable populations. The minister also underscored the importance of safeguarding individuals trafficked into scam compounds, calling for systemic support to address the humanitarian and legal challenges posed by such crimes.
During the conference, Kisekka held bilateral discussions with Cambodia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, H.E. Abhisantibindit Sar Sokha, focusing on security cooperation, agricultural market access, and facilitating the return of Ugandans stranded in Cambodia. The talks highlighted the need for bilateral and multilateral strategies to counter transnational crime, with both parties agreeing to deepen collaboration on mechanisms to protect citizens targeted by online scam operations. The engagement underscored the interconnected nature of digital crime and the imperative for coordinated global responses.
The call for action comes as Uganda grapples with the fallout from scam networks that have destabilized communities and eroded public trust in employment opportunities. Kisekka’s advocacy aligns with broader efforts to establish frameworks for international law enforcement coordination, ensuring that victims receive justice while disrupting the financial and operational structures of scam enterprises. The minister’s remarks reflect a strategic push for systemic reforms to address the root causes of cyber-enabled fraud and safeguard vulnerable populations from exploitation.