news 9 May 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Uganda Aids Commission Exposes Exploitative Bar Practices Fostering HIV Risk Among Girls
The Uganda Aids Commission has highlighted a disturbing trend where bar operators allegedly exploit young girls, offering them to clients for sex in exchange for money and increasing their risk of HIV infection. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/how-bar-operators-are-selling-off-young-girls-for-sex-5452920
Bar owners across Uganda are reportedly engaging in the exploitation of young girls, using them for commercial sex work and significantly raising their vulnerability to HIV/Aids. This practice, described as “deadly” by the Uganda Aids Commission (UAC), involves bar operators luring girls, sometimes with little to no pay, to work in bars and engage in sexual activities with clients.
Dr. Vincent Bagambe, Director of Planning and Strategic Information at UAC, revealed that in some instances, bar owners “import” young women to serve customers, with the explicit understanding that commercial sex will take place. These girls are often provided with uniforms and are expected to engage in sexual transactions at the end of the day.
Concerns have been raised in various regions, including Hoima City and Bushenyi, where similar exploitative schemes have been reported. In Kyizinda, near Ishaka Town, young girls are allegedly involved in commercial sex, facilitated by bar owners. The UAC has noted that these girls are sometimes moved from one location to another, starting in places like Kyizinda and Ntungamo, and then relocated to other districts as they become familiar faces.
Ms. Jean Byamugisha, CEO of the Uganda Hotel Owners Association, acknowledged the vulnerability of young women in the hospitality industry due to long working hours and low pay, which can lead to exploitation and abuse. “The hospitality industry not only employs young people, but also employs young women. They work very late hours, and they work in a very vulnerable setting where they are not earning a lot of money,” she stated.
The UAC emphasizes that these practices are significant risk factors for HIV transmission and undermine the global goal of ending AIDS as a public health issue by 2030. The association is urging the private sector to collaborate in protecting young girls while maintaining business operations.
According to UAC statistics, approximately 1.5 million people in Uganda are living with HIV, with a disproportionate number of new infections occurring among young people. The commission is working with organizations like the International Labour Organisation to promote decent work environments and combat such exploitative practices.