“In Uganda, if you want to get what you don’t have, you have to give what you have,” one of my tight female friends, who is undertaking studies, intimated to me. This was a puzzling statement which I’ve had to make peace with, over time.
Coming from disadvantaged backgrounds, many university students in Uganda struggle to afford the high costs of tuition, accommodation, study materials, and other expenses that come with pursuing higher education, even worse, in urban/city settings.
As a result, an alarming number of female students turn to transactional sex as a means of financial support. These exchanges typically involve a male partner who provides financial or material support in exchange for sexual favors.
Moreover, in some cases which are still under examination, female students tend to fall victim as a way to show their ‘thanks’ for assistance rendered to them on course works, exam preps and even favors for good marks.
Unfortunately, these sexual transactions often come with consequences. Engaging in sexual activity for monetary gain increases the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unwanted pregnancies.
Additionally, many of these exchanges are not consensual, with some male partners exploiting their power and financial advantage to coerce female students into sexual activity.
Transactional sex among female university students in Uganda is often associated with other forms of exploitation and abuse, including sexual harassment, gender-based violence, and trafficking.
Many students find themselves in vulnerable situations due to their economic circumstances, with some male partners using their financial leverage to control and manipulate them.
To address this issue, the Ugandan government and universities have implemented a range of measures. The government has increased funding for higher education, including scholarships and student loans, to reduce the financial burden on students.
Universities have also implemented policies to raise awareness about the dangers of transactional sex and to provide support services for students in need.
Some organizations, such as the Uganda Women’s Network, are working to empower female students and inform them about their rights and the dangers of transactional sex. They provide support services and counseling to students who have experienced exploitation and abuse and advocate for policies and programs that promote gender equality and economic empowerment.
However, despite all these efforts, transactional sex among female university students in Uganda remains a persistent problem. The issue is complex and deeply rooted in economic inequality, cultural norms, and gender power dynamics.
To effectively address the issue, it will require a multifaceted approach that addresses these underlying factors. By addressing the underlying factors contributing to the problem, including economic inequality, gender power dynamics, and cultural norms, we can work towards a future where all students can pursue higher education without resorting to risky and potentially harmful behavior
