The Voices of Survivors Part I

“Definitely [in Uganda] I had nothing to do, despite the fact that I was a graduate and what? I had nothing, no job here in my country.”  

Michael Mugisha*, a recent graduate from Uganda, was ambitious and eager to create a better future for himself and his family. With limited job prospects at home, he began looking for work abroad. Asia seemed like a promising destination, offering jobs that did not require extensive paperwork for entry. When a friend introduced him to a Chinese woman with a job connection, Michael was hopeful. 

They met in person, and she described what sounded like the perfect opportunity: a six-month data management role in Laos with all travel and visa expenses covered. It was too good an offer to pass up. 

“At first everything seemed normal, though when we reached the Golden Triangle things started changing…Everything became suspicious when they started telling me to pay money if I wanted to leave.” 

After two months of preparation, Michael boarded a flight to Laos. Upon arrival, the situation quickly deteriorated. The job he had been promised no longer existed. Instead, he was told to sign a contract that bore no resemblance to the original agreement. Rather than data management, he was told he would be conducting online scams. When he asked to leave, he was informed that he would have to pay an exorbitant fee. 

His refusal led to a forced transfer to another compound across the border. 

“So, on reaching Myanmar, that’s when you realise that this is what real trafficking is. That’s when you realise what trafficking means when you reach Myanmar.” 

Inside the new compound, Michael was held against his will and forced to work more than 16 hours a day under constant surveillance. The scam operation was structured like a corporate hierarchy, with supervisors managing a workforce of exploited individuals. Michael’s role was to build fake online relationships through social media and lure victims into cryptocurrency investment scams. 

Those who failed to meet certain targets faced brutal consequences. 

“The [data miners] do all the work, but not willingly. They do it by force, do it under tension, under pressure. They are tortured to do everything. Everything. They have to do it. They do whatever they are told to do. You cannot say something. You just have to do whatever you are told to do. You don’t have a say on anything.” 

Michael endured torture, electric shocks, food deprivation, and the constant threat of being sold to other scam compounds. He was never paid. He worked every day for nearly a year, without a single day off. 

With relentless determination and the support of counter-trafficking organisations, Michael eventually found a way out. His escape was long and difficult, involving travel through unfamiliar countries, extended periods of isolation, and surviving with minimal resources. It took over a year for him to finally return home to Uganda. 

“Most people, when I tell them about it, they’ll be like, yeah, is this real? Is this real? But yeah, it was real. It happened. It happened. It happened, it really happened. I was there, I faced it.” 

Michael’s story is a powerful reminder of the dangers behind seemingly legitimate overseas job offers. Despite everything he endured, he has chosen to speak out to raise awareness and protect others from falling into the same trap. His voice is one of many. These stories must be heard, believed, and acted upon. 

If you or someone you know is considering a job abroad, take time to research the opportunity carefully and seek advice from trusted sources. For those in a position to support anti-trafficking efforts, whether through education, advocacy, or community engagement, your involvement can make a meaningful difference. Together, we can help prevent exploitation before it begins.

*Name changed to protect identity