Lived experiences of female sex workers in Kawempe Division, Kampala - Uganda

Abstract

In Uganda, sex work is regarded as a profession of controversy and high risk. Understanding the social context that surround the services that sustain the well-being of sex workers is a great research concern. In Uganda female sex workers face disproportionately high levels human rights violations, including stigma, discrimination, and systemic exclusion due to punitive, restrictive legal and regulatory environment, often considered by people who are not familiar with the unique needs of this population. This, as a result, fuels violence in the form of physical assault, sexual and emotional abuse and discrimination, which negatively impacts on their social, physical, and mental health. The aim of this qualitative study was to produce an account of lived experiences of female sex workers including their mental health challenges in order to propose appropriate remedial mental health programs that promote their mental wellbeing. The key informant interviewing method was used to gather data from fourteen sampled female sex workers from Kawempe Division in Kampala. The study was founded on the basis of two theories; the social cognitive learning theory which is based on learning through the interaction between a person and his/her environment by watching others and through social interactions, they learn behaviours which may prompt them to imitate, and the general strain theory which posits that a high magnitude of strain or stress levels resulting from negative treatment by others may reduce one’s ability to observe laws, reduce concerns for the costs of crime and cause illicit behavior. An inductive thematic analysis was used incorporating Braun and Clerk’s 6- step method. This study revealed that unemployment, and the desire to fulfil financial needs drive women to join sex work, while financial stability, fulfillment of social obligation, financial independence and social connections are the gains that accrue from this job. The study also revealed that harassment, violence, stigma and discrimination are among the challenges of this work which consequently impact on mental health, yet mental health remedial services are a far cry to come by as they are less prioritized and if availed, considered as a subsidiary service.