Addressing Concerns of Police abuse

Sex⁤ workers in Uganda have long voiced concerns⁣ about hostile treatment from⁣ law enforcement. ⁤ Prior to this directive, women reported instances of customers being arrested inside their ⁤premises and detained without​ justification. ‌They also alleged being subjected to‌ demands for bribes in exchange for⁣ release, forcing them ‌to surrender their earnings​ to‍ police officers. These ‍accusations highlight a⁣ pattern of exploitation and abuse within the existing legal framework.

Presidential Directive Announced

Kisakyamukama, whose full name and official title were⁢ not provided in the source material, announced the⁤ President’s directive during ‌a meeting with sex workers. He stated,‌ “From today onwards, I⁣ am ⁣directing that no sex worker⁢ should be arrested for doing this job. I speak this as a ‍message from the ⁣President ⁤who has sent‌ me here.” The directive extends⁣ beyond kampala, the capital city, ⁢to encompass the entire country.

the directive‌ also ‍protects individuals‍ who ⁣purchase sex, offering legal protection to both parties involved in the transaction. This broad scope​ represents a meaningful shift in ⁣Uganda’s approach to sex work.

Safeguarding Minors Remains⁤ a Priority

While‍ the ⁤directive decriminalizes sex work for consenting adults,Kisakyamukama emphasized a zero-tolerance‍ policy towards the involvement of minors. He warned that any establishment found to be facilitating the participation of underage girls would be shut down, and its operators would face prosecution.This underscores the government’s commitment to protecting vulnerable children from exploitation.

Implementation and Expansion Plans

The program ‍will initially be implemented across all divisions of Kampala ⁣before being expanded to ‌other urban ​areas throughout Uganda. This phased⁤ rollout will allow for monitoring and adjustments as the directive ⁤is ‍implemented nationwide.

Background: Sex Work​ and the Law in Uganda

Historically, sex work⁤ in Uganda has⁤ existed in a⁢ legal gray area. ⁣While not explicitly illegal, related⁤ activities such as​ soliciting, operating a brothel, and procuring are ⁢criminalized⁣ under the⁤ Penal Code Act. Uganda Penal Code Act, Cap 123 ⁤This⁤ has⁤ led to ‍frequent arrests and ⁤harassment of sex workers by law enforcement. Advocacy groups have long argued ‌for decriminalization to protect the rights and safety of ⁢individuals involved in the sex industry.

This ​directive represents a significant departure from previous enforcement ⁢practices and could⁢ potentially lead to improved conditions⁣ for sex workers in Uganda. ‍However, the long-term⁢ impact ‌will depend on consistent implementation and adherence to the directive by all law enforcement agencies.