KAMPALA, Uganda — The streets of Kampala, Uganda’s capital city, are bustling with young men, many of whom are struggling to make ends meet. With unemployment rates soaring, some of these young men are turning to a desperate measure: male sex work.
According to the Uganda Bureau of Statistics, at least 41 percent of youth aged 18-30 are not engaged in any productive activity. This staggering number has led to a rise in male sex work, with many young men seeking out older, affluent women, known as “sugar mummies,” for financial support.
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“I graduated two years ago and couldn’t find a job,” said James, a 23-year-old who chose to withhold his full name. “A friend introduced me to a sugar mummy who was willing to pay for companionship. It seemed like an easy way to make money.”
The rise of digital platforms has facilitated the growth of male sex work. Young men use social media and dating apps to connect with older women seeking younger companions. These interactions often begin with casual conversations before progressing to financial negotiations.
“Noah,” another young man involved in the trade, explained the process: “We meet these women on apps like Tinder and Facebook. At first, they just want to chat, but soon they start offering money for dates and other services. Many young people are in this business. These older women are feasting on young men, and while it’s a lucrative venture, it’s also highly risky.”
These arrangements typically involve sugar mummies providing monetary support in exchange for companionship and sexual services. Many of these women prefer unprotected sex, significantly increasing the risk of HIV transmission and other sexually transmitted infections.
“Most of these women don’t want to use condoms,” James said. “They offer more money if you agree to their terms. It’s risky, but I need the money.”
Peter, a 25-year-old university student, shared his perspective: “It’s not something I’m proud of, but when you have bills to pay and no job, you start to see it as an option. The money is good, but the risks are always in the back of your mind. My girlfriend has high expectations, and I need extra money to keep up.”
Uganda has made notable progress in combating HIV/AIDS, with the adult prevalence rate around 5.7 percent. However, the rise of male sex work threatens these advancements.
“Young men involved in these arrangements are at a high risk of contracting HIV,” said Dr. Sarah Kyalikunda, a public health expert in Kampala. “The preference for unprotected sex among older women is particularly concerning. This trend could undo years of progress in our fight against HIV/AIDS.”
The economic pressures driving young men into male sex work are rooted in deep socioeconomic challenges. Many come from low-income families with limited access to quality education and employment opportunities. The COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated these issues, leaving even more young men vulnerable to exploitation.
“I feel like I’m living a double life,” said Michael, another young man involved in the trade. “My family doesn’t know what I do to make money. It’s stressful, but what choice do we have?”
The online sex trade is particularly prevalent in affluent areas where older women reside, such as Najjera, Kisasi, Naguru, Bukoto, Ntinda, Kololo, Lubaga, Sseguku, Kajjansi, Mutungo, Lubowa, Akright, Nsangi, and Muyenga. These neighborhoods are known for their wealthier residents who often seek out younger companions.
Public health officials and social workers are calling for urgent interventions to address this growing crisis. They emphasize the need for comprehensive sexual education, increased access to condoms, and economic programs aimed at providing young men with viable employment opportunities.
“We must tackle the root causes of this issue,” Dr. Kyalikunda urged. “Investing in youth employment programs and ensuring access to healthcare and sexual education are critical steps in protecting our young men from these dangers.”
As Uganda grapples with these challenges, the stories of young men like James, Noah, Peter, and Michael highlight the desperate measures being taken to survive in a country where unemployment has become a crippling reality.
In his end of year address, President Museveni warned against reckless sex behavior. However, many young men are skeptical about the government’s ability to provide solutions.
“We’ve heard promises before, but nothing has changed,” James said. “We need action, not words.”
As the sun sets over Kampala, the streets come alive with young men, each with their own story of struggle and survival. For some, male sex work has become a means of survival, but it’s a risky and potentially deadly one.
