Protecting vulnerable adolescents in Mbarara district: A call for comprehensive intervention

Mbarara District is grappling with a concerning surge in the number of adolescent girls engaging in bar work, exposing them to various forms of exploitation, abuse, and significant health hazards.

Despite the presence of training programs and income-generating opportunities, many young girls, some as young as 15, are resorting to working in bars as a means of survival, driven by poverty, family breakdowns, and societal pressures.

Illustrating the harsh reality faced by these vulnerable girls, one young woman shared her heartbreaking journey, marked by orphanhood, early school dropout, an abusive marriage, teenage pregnancy, and contracting HIV, ultimately leading her to seek employment in bars to support her child.

Community perspectives and concerns

Community elder Innocent Mutabazi shed light on the lure of quick money as a key contributing factor, emphasizing the need for alternative livelihood options such as small businesses to steer girls away from the dangers of bar work.

Dr. Christopher Nahabwe, the district’s HIV/AIDS focal person, underscored the heightened risks faced by underage girls in bars, citing their lack of decision-making skills and susceptibility to manipulation, resulting in physical and emotional harm, as evidenced by the high HIV prevalence among sex workers in the area.

Joab Abaho, Mbarara District’s Probation and Welfare Officer, acknowledged the gravity of the situation but pointed out insufficient funding as a hindrance to effective intervention, stressing the crucial need to bolster girl-child education and ensure their safety within the community.

Advocacy for stricter enforcement and prevention

Local authorities are advocating for stringent enforcement measures against bar owners who exploit underage workers, proposing initiatives such as maintaining wage records and enhancing working conditions to safeguard young employees from exploitation and unpaid labor.

In the face of this escalating crisis, a comprehensive strategy encompassing education, community engagement, rigorous enforcement, and increased funding for youth initiatives is imperative to shield vulnerable adolescents from exploitation and harm, ensuring a safer and brighter future for the youth of Mbarara District.