Sex tourism in Uganda is illegal yet wide spread in the Country. Here is everything you need to know about sex tourism in Uganda.
Uganda has witnessed a significant increase in tourists visiting the country. For years now, tourism is the second income earner in the country! The increase in foreigners entering the country hasn’t come without a negative. While few people will talk about it, prostitution targeting tourists has also increased!
Its not uncommon to see younger girls hanging-off usually Old “Muzungus” in many Kampala hotels and restaurants. Places like Speke Hotel and Kabalagala are full of girls and boys looking for tourists and expatriates with intentions of having sex for money.
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So What Is Sex Tourism.
Sex tourism is the practice of traveling (especially) to foreign countries, with the aim of engaging in sexual activity. Sex tourism often takes the shape of one exchanging sex favors in return for lifestyle support or money. Generally speaking, sex tourism is not allowed in most communities but its still widely practiced. The fact that its practiced widely yet not permitted means its not regulated.
Unregulated sex tourism therefore has the potential to lead to violence among clients. This is mainly because in case of a disagreement, one can not go to law enforcement without facing shame at the least. This may encourage the aggrieved to resolve the differences with valance. It also has the potential to lead to rape and defilement.
In 2012, a tourist by the names Emin Baro, was arrested in Jinja for sexually abusing more than 50 minors. A report UNICEF revealed that 30% children aged 12 -18yrs in Kenya’s coast region had been involved in casual sex work. The industry is extremely profitable but in many cases exploitative.
Uganda’s Sexist Tourist Promo
In 2019, then Minister for tourism Godfrey Kiwaanda launched a contest that many called a promotion of sex tourism. The Miss Curvy contest was intended to attract tourists while exhibiting the beautiful and curvaceous ladies in the country. The event was temporally halted by COVID19 lockdown before it resumed in 2022. The 2022 edition was held at Club Ambiance in Bukeesa and won by Shirat Nasuuna.
