Over 30% of Married Women in Gulu Are Commercial Sex Workers- Study

A study by Gulu and Lira Universities found that over one-third of women involved in sex work in Gulu City are married and live with their husbands. The results were shared at a scientific event at Bomah Hotel in Gulu City on Friday.

Dr. Felix Bongomin, a lecturer at Gulu University, led the study in February and March 2025. His team interviewed 314 women working as sex workers in 15 known areas of the city. The study, supported by the Centre for International Reproductive Health Training (CIRHT), looked at why women turn to sex work and their use of birth control.

The research showed that many married women secretly leave home to work as sex workers without their husbands’ knowing. Dr. Bongomin said economic struggles, domestic violence, broken relationships, absent or abusive partners, and access to food aid during the COVID-19 lockdown pushed many women, including married ones, into sex work. Some women also said sex work offered better money to support their families.

The women in the study ranged in age from 15 to 49. Many used two types of birth control, like condoms and pills or injections, showing they care about safe sex. However, some admitted to risky behavior for higher pay, which increases the chance of getting infections. Positively, 75% of the women tested negative for HIV, and some used preventive medicines like PrEP or HIV treatment.

Still, many women face challenges like stigma, low self-esteem, and unkind treatment from healthcare workers, which stops them from seeking health services.

Another study by Anna Grace Auma from Lira University found that some young girls in the region have had multiple pregnancies before adulthood. These pregnancies often lead to unsafe abortions, health problems, or even death.

Auma also noted that men rarely choose vasectomy, a permanent birth control option, because of misunderstandings and cultural beliefs. This puts most of the family planning responsibility on women.

Dr. Francis Pebalo, who organized the event, said the research also covered family planning, care after abortions, and how medical professionals use health services (70.6% of them use family health services).

Dr. Siyane Aniley from CIRHT emphasized the importance of improved education in enhancing women’s health. She urged schools, researchers, and policymakers to work together to lower maternal deaths and improve healthcare using solid evidence.

CIRHT has supported both universities with 48 small grants and built digital classrooms and simulation labs to help train future healthcare workers.

The study shines a light on the hidden lives of sex workers in Uganda and calls for practical support to address their challenges and reduce stigma.