Poverty blamed for increased number of sex workers in Arua
One of the sex workers who preferred anonymity said that they are stigmatized when they go to access health services and discriminated against.
By Moses Alinda
Arua: The sex worker-led organization, under the coordination of UNESCO, and the sex worker rights movement joined the world to commemorate the International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers.
This took place on December 17, 2023, in Arua City to call attention to the crimes committed against sex workers and honor those who have experienced violence and lost.
Ivan Suku, the LC1 chairperson for Upper Bibia Cell Pangisa Ward in Central Division Arua City, where some of the sex workers reside, raised concern about the violation of the sex workers by some customers.
He highlighted the challenges faced by the sex workers, like harassment, threats, refusal of payment after services, which sometimes end in his office, and assault, among others.
He attributes the increased number of sex workers to poverty levels in the communities, domestic violence, violence caused by parents that force them to venture into business, refugees, and some being orphans who lack parental guidance.
Suku, however, stressed that they have some bylaws that do not allow teenage girls in the business.
Nasuna Stella, the women activist at UNESCO, raised concern about the marginalization of sex workers and stigmatization despite having laws.
She urges the government to put in place protective laws that protect sex workers, protect human rights, reduce violations, and increase access to justice.
Nasuna urges police to take an affirmative action approach in relation to protecting the rights of sex workers and also equal access to health and social services for sex workers and reproductive health.
According to the UNESO human rights violation report 2022-2023, the right to freedom from inhumane and degrading treatments and life like physical assaults, sexual assaults, and murder are the most violated human rights among sex workers.
One of the sex workers who preferred anonymity said that they are stigmatized when they go to access health services and discriminated against.
Prostitution in Uganda is illegal according to Uganda’s 1950 Penal Code, but is widespread despite this.
Many turn to prostitution because of poverty and a lack of other opportunities.
A study of Kampala teachers in 2008 showed that teachers were turning to prostitution to increase their income.
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