President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has announced plans to establish a special government fund aimed at helping commercial sex workers abandon the trade and transition into safer income-generating activities. Speaking at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds during a meeting with Kampala mechanics, Museveni said the government cannot support activities that expose people to disease and death, stressing that […]
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has announced plans to establish a special government fund aimed at helping commercial sex workers abandon the trade and transition into safer income-generating activities.
Speaking at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds during a meeting with Kampala mechanics, Museveni said the government cannot support activities that expose people to disease and death, stressing that intervention must focus on rehabilitation and alternative livelihoods.
“I cannot provide them with money to continue with the practice that would endanger their lives and lead to their death,” Museveni said.
The President explained that the proposed fund would be designed to support sex workers to leave the trade voluntarily, acquire skills and engage in productive economic activities. He said the initiative would follow the same empowerment logic used in other government programmes targeting vulnerable groups.
Museveni acknowledged that many people, especially women, are pushed into sex work by poverty, unemployment and lack of opportunities. He said addressing these root causes is more effective than punishment or neglect.
The proposed intervention will be separate from the revolving fund meant for mechanics but will operate under similar principles of organization, accountability and sustainability.
Although details of how the fund will operate are still being worked out, Museveni said government would study the proposal carefully and design a framework that ensures public resources are used responsibly.
The pledge comes amid growing calls for stronger social protection measures for informal workers, including access to healthcare and stable livelihoods.
Museveni reiterated that government support would only be extended to groups willing to organize themselves properly and manage public resources transparently.
The planned fund adds to a series of social protection measures the President says are intended to reduce vulnerability, improve public health outcomes and help Ugandans move out of poverty through dignified work.
