Tejas Patel Remanded to Luzira Prison as Charge Sheet Is Amended to Include Aggravated Human Trafficking

KAMPALA | Businessman and insurance broker Tejas Patel has been remanded to Luzira Prison until October 22, 2026, after prosecutors amended the charge sheet against him to include aggravated human trafficking.

Patel, the second suspect arrested in connection with an alleged human-trafficking network reportedly linked to Sanjiv Patel (alias “Sanju”), was taken into custody on October 4, 2026. He appeared before the Makindye Magistrate’s Court with his lawyer but was remanded after the chief magistrate was unable to preside over the matter. He is expected to return to court on October 22 at 11 a.m.

According to the amended charge sheet dated October 6, 2026, and sanctioned by the Director of Public Prosecutions through the Resident Chief State Attorney at Makindye, Patel and co-accused Yogesh Yadav face 15 counts of aggravated trafficking in persons. The charges are brought under Sections 2(1)(a) and 3(c) of the Prevention of Trafficking in Persons Act, Cap 131. Prosecutors allege that the two, together with others still at large, recruited, transported, harboured or received 15 individuals in Muyenga, Makindye Division, between February and September 2026. The charge sheet claims the recruitment or movement involved deception or the giving or receiving of payments or benefits for the purpose of prostitution or sexual exploitation.

Patel, 50, is described in the charge sheet as a Ugandan by registration of Indian origin and an insurance broker residing in Kampala. Yadav, 25, an Indian national and manager at Green Lounge Kisugu, was previously granted bail. The circumstances under which bail was granted, together with questions surrounding Patel’s citizenship and registration, have attracted scrutiny. The Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development has also raised concerns over the case.

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