A shocking incident has come to light involving six youths from Ojul parish, Awei sub-county in Alebtong district, who were recruited for security work by a company known as Cheetah Security Ltd.

After their hiring, they faced what the MP calls “severe mistreatment and exploitation at their workplace.”

Speaking at Garden Inn Hotel in Lira City, Morish Owiny of Obuupyen, Ojul parish, revealed that in early October, they were sent to Kampala for security work with the said company.

Upon arrival, they were immediately enrolled in training to become security guards.

Owiny explained that after completing their training, the company sent them directly to Mbarara City and instructed them to start paying shs200,000 each. This was a surprise because they were expecting the company to be paying them.

Although they began working, within just five days, they were subjected to severe mistreatment, and all their belongings—including their phones and other personal items—were confiscated under unclear circumstances, he narrated.

Meanwhile, Daniel Owani of Ojul also reported that the company subjected them to harsh treatment, leaving them hungry with no food, yet they were still expected to work.

To make matters worse, they were told to find money for their own meals. He noted that the support provided by Members of Parliament has not been enough to alleviate the suffering.

Ajuri County MP Fred Jalameso stated that he had long been aware of the suffering and described the situation as “a form of modern-day slavery that violates labour laws.”

Jalameso called upon the Lango community to embrace alternative livelihood strategies, including agriculture and other forms of employment, rather than seeking jobs that lead to exploitation and increased suffering, for that matter MP transported back those youth starting from their posted station located in Marabara City up to the village where they come from.

In an interview with our reporter, Susan Alobo, who recruited the youths for Cheetah Security Ltd, stated that they received these youths and they began working properly.

However, when they were deployed to Mbarara, the challenge of accommodation became a serious problem.

Regarding the mistreatment at work, Alobo stated that they have not received any formal report, but they are monitoring the situation and will continue to pay the workers their wages accordingly.

Three months ago, LPG chairperson Patrick Ogwang Obura also rescued a total of twenty-one young people from the Lango sub-region who were stranded in Hoima City after being deceived with fake job offers.

They are now on their way back to Oyam district.

The youths had been misled by a Chinese company that promised them employment but instead transported them to Kyankwanzi district to clear large forested areas.

Many of the victims are from Aleka, Abok, Loro, Kamdini, and Iceme sub-counties. Sadly, two of them from Iceme have recently died, highlighting the dangers of such fraudulent schemes.

MP Ogwang confirmed that he provided food and accommodation to the stranded youths yesterday.

He is also working closely with Oyam Central Police Station to ensure their safe return to the Lango sub-region, particularly Oyam district.

Investigations into the company responsible have already commenced.

With deep concern, MPs Ogwang and Jalameso urged parents not to allow their children to travel for employment without first verifying the legitimacy of the companies involved.