The joint study by Gulu and Lira Universities has revealed startling findings about the dynamics of commercial sex work in Gulu City, uncovering that more than one-third of the women involved are married and live with their partners.

The findings were presented on Friday during the inaugural Annual Scientific Symposium at Bomah Hotel, Gulu City.

Dr. Felix Bongomin, the lead researcher and lecturer in the Faculty of Medicine at Gulu University, disclosed that the study, conducted in February and March 2025, involved 314 female commercial sex workers from 15 known hotspots across the city.

According to Dr. Bongomin, the study, funded by the Centre for International Reproductive Health Training (CIRHT), was focused on understanding the use of dual contraception and the socio-economic factors driving women into sex work.

The data points to a rise in the number of married women engaged in commercial sex work, many of whom leave their homes without their partners’ knowledge to discreetly offer services.

“The rise in female sex workers, particularly during and after the COVID-19 lockdown, highlights the economic desperation and structural issues that women are grappling with,” Dr. Bongomin explained.

He cited economic hardship, gender-based violence, broken relationships, abusive or absentee partners, and access to food aid during the lockdown as primary motivations for women, including those in marriages, turning to sex work.

Several respondents also pointed to better income opportunities and the ability to provide for their families as compelling reasons.

The study’s participants ranged in age from 15 to 49 years. A significant number reported using dual contraception methods, such as condoms alongside injectable or oral contraceptives, indicating a level of reproductive responsibility within the community.

However, the lure of higher payments occasionally led to unprotected encounters, increasing the risk of sexually transmitted infections.

Encouragingly, 75% of the women tested HIV-negative, and some reported using pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) or antiretroviral therapy as preventive measures.

Nevertheless, stigma, low self-worth, and negative interactions with healthcare providers were found to be major barriers preventing sex workers from accessing sexual and reproductive health services.

A related study, presented by Anna Grace Auma of Lira University, painted a similarly troubling picture of reproductive health among young girls in the region.

A related study, presented by Anna Grace Auma of Lira University, painted a similarly troubling picture of reproductive health among young girls in the region.

Her research revealed instances of repeated teenage pregnancies, with some girls experiencing up to three pregnancies before reaching adulthood.

These pregnancies have resulted in a myriad of complications ranging from unsafe abortions to maternal deaths and lifelong reproductive health issues.

Auma also highlighted a persistent gender imbalance in family planning responsibilities, pointing to the extremely low uptake of vasectomy among men. Misconceptions, lack of awareness, and cultural beliefs were cited as major factors preventing men from embracing permanent contraception.

Dr. Francis Pebalo, who led the symposium’s organizing committee, noted that the research covered broader issues, including family planning, post-abortion care, and the health-seeking behaviour of medical professionals, 70.6% of whom reportedly utilize family health services.

In her remarks, Dr. Siyane Aniley of CIRHT emphasized the need for education-led transformation in maternal and reproductive health.

She called for stronger collaboration between institutions, researchers, and policymakers to reduce maternal mortality and strengthen healthcare systems through evidence-based strategies.

“Our goal is to strengthen medical education, empower future healthcare providers, and promote access to sexual and reproductive health services in underserved regions,” Dr. Aniley said.

CIRHT has provided 48 seed grants and infrastructural support to both universities, including the establishment of digital lecture studios and simulation labs.

As the research findings echo through academic and public health circles, the study offers a rare glimpse into the concealed lives of Uganda’s female sex workers and a pressing call for comprehensive interventions that go beyond stigma and toward structured support.