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 appeared before the Makindye Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday in the presence of 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 11:00 a.m. for further proceedings.
The amended charge sheet reportedly lists aggravated trafficking in persons, contrary to Sections 2(1)(a) and 3(c) of the Prevention of Trafficking in Persons Act, Cap. 131.
Patel was arrested on October 4, 2026, and is the second suspect to be arrested in connection with an alleged human-trafficking network. The charges against him have not been proved in court.
His remand comes amid concerns raised by the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development over the handling of the case, including the release on bail of his co-accused, Yogesh Yadav, and questions surrounding the citizenship and immigration status of individuals reportedly linked to the investigation.
Labour attaché Mariam Amoit said the ministry would continue monitoring the proceedings and called on the relevant agencies to ensure that investigations establish the roles of all individuals suspected of involvement in the alleged trafficking operation.
Amoit expressed concern about the release of suspects in a case involving alleged human trafficking before the victims had obtained justice, emphasising the need to protect vulnerable people from exploitation.
“The consequences are really too much,” Amoit said, highlighting the harm associated with human trafficking and the need for stronger measures to prevent exploitation.
Yadav, who was arrested earlier in connection with the case, was subsequently granted bail and directed to return to court. The circumstances surrounding his release have prompted questions from the ministry, although bail decisions are determined under the applicable law and the circumstances of each case.
The investigation has also drawn attention to allegations concerning Sanjiv Patel, commonly known as “Sanju,” who has been named in claims surrounding the wider network.
Allegations that Sanjiv Patel may have played a role in the suspected operation, including claims that he has sought the release of suspects through contacts at immigration offices, have not been independently established. The extent of his alleged involvement, if any, remains a matter for investigators to establish.
Amoit urged law enforcement agencies to work together to establish whether other individuals were involved in the alleged operation and to ensure that investigations extend beyond those already in custody.
Questions have also been raised about Tejas Patel’s citizenship and immigration status. However, these matters remain subject to verification by the relevant authorities through official records and lawful procedures.
Amoit identified porous borders as one of the challenges that can facilitate human trafficking, noting that people displaced by conflict and other crises may be particularly vulnerable because of their urgent need for safety, employment and better living conditions.
She also urged Ugandans seeking employment abroad to use recognised recruitment agencies and lawful migration channels, warning that unverified job offers and irregular recruitment arrangements can expose workers to forced labour, abuse and other forms of exploitation.
The case has renewed attention to the coordination between law enforcement agencies, immigration authorities and the judiciary in investigating suspected human trafficking and ensuring accountability.
Patel remains on remand at Luzira Prison as investigations and court proceedings continue. He is scheduled to return to the Makindye Magistrate’s Court on October 22, 2026, at 11:00 a.m.
