Minister Mutasingwa's Campaign to Rehabilitate Sex Workers Sparks Debate in Buikwe
The initiative comes in response to the growing prevalence of sex work in towns such as Nakibizi, Mbiko, Namwezi, and Lugazi, areas frequented by truck drivers and home to various factories.
The State Minister in the Office of the Vice President, Diana Mutasingwa, has partnered with the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA) to launch a campaign aimed at rehabilitating commercial sex workers by providing alternative livelihoods.
The initiative comes in response to the growing prevalence of sex work in towns such as Nakibizi, Mbiko, Namwezi, and Lugazi, areas frequented by truck drivers and home to various factories.
The campaign also seeks to address the stigmatisation of women and teenage girls who have been lured into the trade, offering them opportunities for a fresh start.
The campaign has ignited mixed reactions among residents, reflecting the complex socio-economic and moral dimensions of the issue.
Joseph Mayanja, the LC1 Chairperson of Namwezi, praised the initiative, stating that sex work is culturally and morally inappropriate.
He believes removing it from the streets aligns with community values and will improve public order, reduce crime, and foster a more family-friendly environment.
However, Phillip Musasizi, a councillor at Njeru Central Division, expressed concerns over the potential ripple effects.
He warned that removing sex workers without offering regulated alternatives could lead to increased exploitation of vulnerable groups, including schoolgirls and married women.
Musasizi argued that without safer options, individuals may exploit these groups, increasing risks of abuse, exploitation, and harm to community members.
From an economic standpoint, Johnson Alelenge, a resident of Lugazi 2 in Njeru Municipality, highlighted the broader impact.
He noted that businesses such as bars, lodges, hotels, and cosmetic shops indirectly benefit from the activities of sex workers.
Alelenge argued that removing them could lead to economic decline for local businesses, loss of livelihoods, and disruption of informal economies.
Many women involved in sex work attribute their situation to economic hardships and exploitation.
Some shared stories of being deceived with promises of legitimate employment in urban areas, only to end up in the sex trade.
Despite their challenges, many expressed a desire to leave the streets if provided with viable alternatives.
Minister Mutasingwa’s partnership with TIKA aims to address these issues by equipping women with skills and resources to achieve financial independence and restore their dignity.
She called on parents to stop exploiting their teenage daughters for financial gain, urging them to prioritize education.
Ms Mutasingwa, also the Buikwe Woman MP, said such practices perpetuate poverty and vulnerability, stressing the need for community sensitisation, scholarships, and stronger child protection laws to safeguard young girls and foster long-term development.
While the campaign has sparked debate, it underscores the urgent need for a multifaceted approach to address sex work in Buikwe.
The challenge lies in balancing moral and social values with the economic realities and vulnerabilities of those affected.
As the community grapples with these issues, Mutasingwa’s initiative offers a glimmer of hope for a more inclusive and dignified future.
