A disturbing new trend is emerging in Soroti City, eastern Uganda, as secondary schoolgirls are increasingly turning to commercial sex work for as little as Shs 1,000, amid a worsening HIV/Aids crisis in the region. Local leaders have expressed grave concerns that this alarming development is significantly contributing to the region’s rising HIV prevalence
The Uganda AIDS Commission’s 2024 prevalence report reveals that Soroti now has the second-highest HIV rate in the country, with a staggering 12.5% of the population affected—surpassed only by Fort Portal at 13.5%. This figure is more than double the national average of 5.1%.
Speaking at the Soroti Secondary School Annual General Meeting on Saturday, Sheikh Obilan Abubakar Umar, Regional Assistant Mufti (RAM) for Teso-Karamoja, disclosed that authorities have identified over 120 “hot spots” across the city associated with commercial sex. Many of these locations are reportedly frequented by schoolgirls, who are allegedly exchanging sex for small sums of money—ranging from Shs 1,000 to Shs 2,000.
“This situation is extremely harmful to our culture, our religion, and to the future of the Teso region and Uganda as a whole,” said Sheikh Obilan, condemning the trend. “It is shocking that these girls are risking their lives and futures for such a minimal amount.”
In addition to the sex trade, Sheikh Obilan also condemned the practice of child marriage, which he says is further exacerbating the crisis. He revealed that a parent of a senior two student was attempting to marry off his underage daughter, sparking outrage among community leaders. “We need to protect these girls from exploitation,” he stressed. “Parents who attempt to marry off their underage daughters must be reported, and the law must take action.”
The religious leader called on the community to be vigilant against the exploitation of young girls, whether through forced marriages or sex work, and criticized parents who use their daughters as sources of income. “Some parents send their daughters to school without providing the necessary support, which forces these girls into risky survival behaviors,” he said. “This kind of parental negligence is a threat to our culture and future generations.”
Sheikh Obilan also warned that neglecting children’s emotional and psychological well-being leads to long-term trauma and instability. “Uganda’s future is at risk if we continue to neglect the emotional and educational needs of our children,” he added, describing the current situation as a form of “parental absenteeism” that is damaging the fabric of society.
In addition to HIV, the RAM highlighted other health concerns in the Teso region, including a rising prevalence of cervical cancer and sickle-cell disease. Sheikh Obilan revealed that Teso now ranks second in Uganda for sickle-cell disease prevalence, behind only Lango.
“The sickle-cell crisis in Teso is growing rapidly, and we must come together to address it,” he said. He also announced that the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council is launching regional initiatives to tackle sickle-cell, including mass testing, counseling, and pre-marital screening programs.
Furthermore, he urged parents to take responsibility for their health by undergoing sickle-cell testing, and he encouraged schoolgirls to be screened for their carrier status. A dedicated sickle-cell clinic will soon be opened in Soroti City to help combat the growing health threat.
The community’s response to these alarming issues will be critical in reversing the rising HIV rates and addressing other health crises in the region. Sheikh Obilan’s call to action underscores the urgent need for a coordinated effort to protect the region’s youth and ensure their future safety and well-being.
