President Yoweri Museveni has unveiled a proposal for a dedicated SACCO-style fund intended to help commercial sex workers voluntarily abandon the trade and rebuild their lives through alternative sources of income.
The proposal was shared during his engagement with mechanics and garage operators at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds, attended by participants from Kampala and neighboring districts including Wakiso, Mukono, and Mpigi. While much of the meeting focused on supporting artisans through a revolving fund similar to the Parish Development Model (PDM), the President also highlighted the need to address the economic vulnerability of women involved in sex work.
Museveni explained that the planned fund would not encourage prostitution, which remains illegal in Uganda, but would instead support rehabilitation and empowerment. Women willing to leave the trade would be assisted to acquire or strengthen skills in areas such as small businesses, crafts, or technical work, enabling them to earn a living through lawful means.
He noted that many women in sex work face serious risks, including exploitation, violence, and health challenges, largely because they operate outside the protection of the law. This situation, he said, makes it difficult for them to seek help when abused or cheated, leaving them exposed to further harm.
The President emphasized that offering practical economic alternatives is a more humane and effective approach than punishment. By providing access to capital through a structured SACCO, the government hopes to give affected women a realistic pathway out of the trade and into sustainable livelihoods.
If implemented successfully, the initiative could be expanded to support more beneficiaries over time, positioning it as part of broader efforts to promote social inclusion and economic transformation among vulnerable groups.
