Estimating the Prevalence of Child Sex Trafficking in Uganda

Karamoja is a rural region in northeast Uganda. The majority of internal trafficking child victims in Uganda are ethnically Karamojong. Karamoja’s extremely high rate of multidimensional child poverty (84%) and a traditional acceptance of migration for livelihood increase children’s vulnerability to commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC).

Although child sex trafficking is believed to be a serious problem in the Karamoja region, there have been no previous studies of the knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding child trafficking and child migration in the region. The prevalence of CSEC and a thorough identification of vulnerabilities and risk factors among certain populations have not been fully studied in Uganda more broadly. No prior studies offer an estimate of the prevalence of CSEC in Uganda based on a probabilistic sample.

This population-based survey explored the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of Napak children and adults related to child migration and child trafficking as well as the prevalence of CSEC. This study provides baseline estimates and findings to inform the GFEMS-Funded Community Action to End Child Trafficking and Sexual Exploitation project.

This study, conducted in collaboration with Makerere University of ICF, offers the first CSEC prevalence estimate for any region in Uganda that is based on a probabilistic sample. The data reveal interesting insights on the scope of CSEC in the region and adults’ and children’s calculation of the risks and benefits regarding migration.

To learn more about our findings and see our recommendations, download the briefing.