The Ministry of Internal Affairs spokesperson, Simon Mundeyi, revealed that sex workers in Kabalagala and Kansanga have lodged complaints about foreign nationals, particularly Eritreans and Somalis, muscling in on their territory.
Kabalagala, a vibrant city suburb in Makindye division, is renowned for its lively nightlife, attracting a diverse crowd of foreigners, including Congolese, Somalis, Ethiopians, and Eritreans.
On Wednesday, Mundeyi addressed journalists, stating that Ugandan sex workers claim that Eritreans and Somalis are outcompeting them, as men seemingly prefer their services.
“Foreign nationals are engaging in prostitution in Kampala, edging out Ugandans from their own trade,” Mundeyi said. “We’ve found them operating openly in Kabalagala, even near university gates.”
Mundeyi says that Ugandan sex workers are feeling forced out of business.
It’s important to note that Uganda’s Sexual Offences Law (2019) criminalizes prostitution, with those found guilty facing up to seven years in prison.