23rd November, 2007
Prince Charles raises plight of sex workers in Uganda during AMREF visit
Prince Charles raises plight of sex workers in Uganda during AMREF visit
AMREF was extremely honoured to host a visit by His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales to its sex workers project in Kawempe slum in Kampala earlier today. The visit took place on the first day of his trip to Uganda for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.
Sex workers are illegal in Uganda and suffer much abuse at the hands of clients and even the local authorities. AMREF was delighted that Prince Charles visited the project to highlight the plight of Kawempe’s sex workers, and others across Uganda who are forced by economic necessity to engage in sex work.
AMREF Uganda’s director Joshua Kyallo said: "This visit has given AMREF the opportunity to engage more strategically with the government on the issue of sex workers and slum dwellers." Kawempe slum is home to more than 300,000 people situated on poorly drained land, which in combination with overcrowding and poor sanitary conditions, makes its inhabitants vulnerable to malaria, TB and cholera. HIV rates are also high because of the poverty and the extensive sex trade in the area.
Speaking to former sex workers
During his visit, Prince Charles spoke at length to two former sex workers who are now working as AMREF trainers. One of them is Hamidah Nambajiiwe (25) who trains current and former sex workers in tailoring. Prince Charles asked Hamidah how they attract women to engage with AMREF’s work, to which Hamidah replied: "As a former sex worker myself, I know where the women hang out and I know how to approach them. They really listen to me as they see me as a role model." Hamidah has now set up her own boutique where she designs and makes traditional African clothes.
Prince Charles also spoke to Jane Nabunya (25), a former sex worker, who now trains 36 women in hairdressing. "I was so surprised that he asked me so many questions. I really didn’t expect that and I feel very proud," she said.
First ever condom demonstration
Prince Charles visited the reproductive health centre, where Divina Aluka (33) explained how she gives out condoms and contraceptive pills. His Royal Highness asked her how she teaches men to use condoms and she explained that she demonstrates. He laughed and asked her how she does this. Davina then gave Prince Charles a demonstration of how to put on a condom, using a wooden model. "There was lots of fun," explained Divina.
There was also serious discussion. Prince Charles was interested to hear more about how AMREF is encouraging male involvement and addressing gender inequalities to tackle HIV prevention and family planning. Asked how AMREF manages to get men to listen to their messages; Joshua Kyallo replied: "Because we make sure our messages are culturally sensitive". AMREF’s employees are usually local to the areas they are working in, so they understand what motivates their fellow community members.
Prince Charles was impressed by how AMREF is working closely with community members to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS and address the stigma attached to the disease, as well as the work AMREF is doing to integrate prevention and treatment of HIV/AIDS, TB and malaria.
Prince Charles was extremely interested in and knowledgeable about health development issues and congratulated AMREF on its excellent work. Everyone at AMREF was excited and proud to have been able to host the visit.
As the vehicles left, community members were out in force to wave the convoys goodbye and Hamidah and Jane and the other women stood at the doorway, with beaming smiles, proud that their stories had been listened to by the future King of England.
View images of the visit by clicking here.
For more information contact Louise Orton on l.orton@amrefuk.org or call +44 207 269 5526