Health
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Mbarara District is witnessing an alarming rise in adolescent girls working in bars, exposing them to abuse, exploitation, and significant health risks.
Despite the availability of skilling programs and income-generating initiatives, many young girls, some as young as 15, are turning to bar work due to poverty, family breakdowns, and societal challenges.
One such girl shared her harrowing journey, which began when she was orphaned and dropped out of school at 15.
After an abusive marriage, teenage pregnancy, and contracting HIV, she turned to bar work to support her child.
“I’ve been to bars in Hoima, Mbale, and now back here. Many times, I’ve worked without pay, but I keep going to survive,” she recounted.
Community elder Innocent Mutabazi highlighted the allure of quick money as a key factor. “We urge these girls to consider small businesses like selling cassava, but the money men offer in bars draws them back,” he explained.
Dr Christopher Nahabwe, the district’s HIV/AIDS focal person, warned of the dangers facing underage girls in bars.
“At 15, they lack the decision-making skills to navigate such environments. They are easily manipulated and often face physical and emotional harm,” he stated.
The HIV prevalence among sex workers in Mbarara is 54%, compared to the national average of 33%, further illustrating the health risks these young girls face.
Challenges in Intervention
Joab Abaho, Mbarara District’s Probation and Welfare Officer, acknowledged the severity of the problem but cited inadequate funding as a barrier to effective intervention.
“Programmes like the Youth Livelihood Programme and Young African Refugees for Integral Development (YARID) aim to help, but community-based services need more resources to create lasting impact,” he explained.
Abaho emphasized the need to strengthen girl-child education and ensure their safety in school, on their way home, and within their communities.
“Education is the most sustainable way to reduce the numbers of girls turning to bars and manage prostitution,” he said.
Local authorities are advocating for stricter enforcement against bar owners who exploit underage workers.
Proposals include requiring bar owners to maintain wage rolls and improve working conditions to protect young employees from unpaid labor and abuse.
As the district battles this growing challenge, a multi-faceted approach combining education, community awareness, stricter enforcement, and enhanced funding for youth programs is essential to protect vulnerable adolescents from exploitation and harm.
