Rising Sex Work Fuels Concerns
Mbarara District leaders and health workers have voiced concerns regarding the increasing number of sex workers in Rubindi-Ruhumba Town Council. This issue was a focal point during a stakeholders meeting organized by the Ministry of Health, held in the district health officer’s board room.
Francis Karugaba, the mayor of Rubindi-Ruhumba Town Council attributed the rise in sex work to factors such as poverty, unemployment and school dropouts. He noted that the town’s central location has made it an access point for young girls aged between18-25 from neighboring areas such as Kashongi County in Kiruhura District, Buhweju District and Mbarara City. Many of these girls are transported to the area to work as bar attendants.Unfortunately, a significant number end up engaging in commercial sex.
Dr. Peter Ssebutinde, the District Health Officer emphasized the need for tighter regulations to prevent the exploitation of young girls by bar owners.
Recent reports from UNAIDS indicate that around 1.3 million people contracted HIV/AIDS in 2023, highlighting the urgent need for awareness and preventive measures in the context of rising social issues in the district.
