Teenage prostitution is a form of sexual abuse involving commercial or survival exploitation of the youth of ages 13-19 years in which the youth engage in sex for financial benefits. It is a growing parasite in Uganda today most especially in the urban areas.
Causes of teenage prostitution
Poverty is the leading cause of teenage prostitution, peer influence, lack of access to basic needs not forgetting the death of parents.
In towns like Kampala, the street children are exposed to prostitution, violence and HIV/AIDS. Many of these teenage girls engage in prostitution as a way of surviving. Though these young girls are advised to stop the habit and tough laws are imposed on them, they find it difficult not to engage in prostitution for lack of alternative ways of generating income.
Solutions of teenage prostitution
The Government should come up with income generating projects where these young girls are involved. This will keep them busy and will provide an alternative source of income.
These young girls need love and care plus counseling which helps them build their self-esteem most especially the orphaned ones.
