Police Rescue 27 Women in Crackdown on Alleged Online Exploitation Network

Kampala, Uganda – Police have rescued 27 young women following a major operation targeting an alleged online exploitation and illegal streaming network operating in Kampala.

The operation, led by the Directorate of Crime Intelligence, resulted in the arrest of the women, who investigators say were found inside a building where they were allegedly being filmed for online content distributed to audiences outside Uganda.

According to preliminary investigations, many of the women had been recruited from different parts of the country, including Kampala, Wakiso, Mukono, Masaka, Lyantonde, and several districts in the Busoga sub-region.

Authorities allege that the operation was being coordinated by a group led by a man identified as Mulindwa, working alongside Martin Male and a woman known only as Zeisha. The three suspects are currently on the run and are being actively sought by security agencies.

Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson Rachel Kawala confirmed the development, saying investigations are ongoing and efforts to track down the suspects have been intensified.

“We have also arrested a security guard who was guarding the location,” Kawala said.

Women Allegedly Given New Identities

Among those arrested was Vivian Gobera, whom investigators identified as Mulindwa’s girlfriend. During questioning, Gobera reportedly disclosed that women recruited into the operation were assigned new identities to conceal their real names and prevent relatives or acquaintances from recognizing them online.

Investigators further established that the content produced at the facility was allegedly targeted at clients in Western countries. According to statements obtained during the investigation, access to the online streams was reportedly restricted in Uganda and several East African countries.

Investigations Expand to Private Parties and Hotels

Police say investigations have also revealed allegations that some of the women were hired to entertain wealthy clients at private parties held in Kampala, Wakiso, and Mukono districts.

Others were reportedly deployed to high-end hotels to provide entertainment services for selected guests, although authorities have not yet disclosed the identities of any clients linked to the operation.

The Directorate of Crime Intelligence is now working with other security agencies to establish the full extent of the network, identify additional suspects, and determine whether other locations were involved in the alleged scheme.

Police Intensify Hunt for Suspects

Authorities have appealed to the public to provide any information that could help in locating the suspects believed to have organized and managed the operation.

Police say investigations remain active and that more arrests could be made as evidence continues to be gathered.

The case has renewed concerns about the exploitation of vulnerable young people through online platforms and the growing use of digital networks to facilitate illegal activities targeting international audiences.