Influence of sex exploitation on peaceful existence of children in Uganda: a case study of Bugembe Town-Council, Jinja district.

Abstract

One of the challenges facing the modern world is sex exploitation. Like other nations of the globe, Uganda has been at the threat of this challenge with dire effects at the family level, and more to a girl child. Overwhelmed by such effects, the researcher sought imperative to examine the influence of sex exploitation of children on peaceful existence in Bugembe Town-Council, Jinja District in Uganda by 1) establishing reasons for persistent sex exploitation of children; 2) identifying the main actors of sex exploitation; 3) assessing the impact of sex exploitation on children; 4) analyzing the intervention measures to the affected children in Uganda. The Psycho dynamic theory by Sigmund Freud and the behavioral theories guided this study. A case study research design was used for this study on a sample size of 80 respondents from parishes of Wanyama, Katende and Budhumbuli. In order to get primary information, Interview Guide and Self-Administered Questionnaires were used. The findings show that socio-economic reasons normally compel the actors into sex exploitation of children. The actors include father, businessmen such as hotel owners, bar owners, prostitutes and drivers of long vehicles. Children rights have been violated; there has been embarrassment and psychological torture on the side of children; increased immorality from elders among others. The above have affected negatively the peaceful existence of children. The study concludes emphasizing that there has been the violation of children rights with different affects that deny children peaceful existence. Upon this conclusion, the study recommends the need to alleviate poverty at the family level in order to end sex exploitation of children. By ending or reducing poverty at the family level, the study anticipates that such exploitation can end and peace will prevail.