KAMPALA — Businessman and insurance broker Tejas Patel has been granted bail by the Makindye Magistrate’s Court in a case involving 15 counts of alleged aggravated human trafficking.
The court granted Patel cash bail of Shs7 million, while each of his sureties was ordered to execute a non-cash bond of Shs100 million. He is expected to return to court on November 9, 2026, at 10:00am for further proceedings.
As part of the bail conditions, Patel is barred from travelling outside the country. His passport is being held by the relevant authorities, while Immigration has also been notified of the restrictions.
His release marks a new development in a case that has attracted attention from the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development over allegations of human trafficking and the need to protect the rights of the alleged victims.
According to an earlier report by Nile Post, prosecutors amended the charge sheet to include 15 counts of aggravated trafficking in persons against Patel and his co-accused, Yogesh Yadav.
The prosecution alleges that the two, together with other suspects who are still at large, recruited, transported, harboured or received 15 people in Muyenga, Makindye Division, Kampala, between February and September 2026.
The alleged offences reportedly involved deception or payments intended to secure the consent of individuals exercising control over other people for purposes of prostitution or sexual exploitation.
Patel had previously been remanded in custody following his appearance before the Makindye court, where the amended charges were presented. Yadav, who had earlier been granted bail, is also expected to return to court as the case progresses.
Meanwhile, Labour Attaché Mariam Amoit of the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development said she would continue following up on the matter to ensure justice is served.
Amoit stressed the importance of accountability and urged members of the public to avoid unlawful activities, particularly those that expose vulnerable people to exploitation.
She also encouraged Ugandans seeking employment opportunities to formalise their work arrangements and use recognised, lawful channels to minimise the risk of falling victim to human trafficking.
The case has renewed concerns about the exploitation of vulnerable people through deceptive promises of employment and better living conditions, highlighting the need for vigilance, effective investigations and protection of those who may have been affected.
Patel and Yadav remain accused persons, and the allegations against them have not been proven in court. The granting of bail does not amount to an acquittal, with the court expected to determine the case based on the evidence presented during the proceedings.
