By Sharon S. Tibenda

15^th Nov 2010

A growing number of Ugandan girls, some merely 11yrs old, are being lured by pimps to the buzzing Southern Sudan capital Juba to ‘work’ as prostitutes.

Rose Acullu, a mother four from Atiak in northern Uganda, said she has not seen her daughter since the 13-year-old left the family home to travel to Sudan two months ago.  Rose fears that her daughter has been lured into a life of prostitution by a merchant from Sudan who was doing business in Atiak.

“…I have looked for my daughter and many people tell me that she is in Juba working as a prostitute.  What can a young girl like mine be doing in such kind of business?  I know that I am poor – this war has really affected us – but I have tried my level best to provide for all my children”, Rose Acullu says

Sitting a mere 50kilometres from Sudan, Atiak Township, like most border towns in Africa, is quickly establishing itself as a prostitution centre.  Some reports indicate that girls of just 11yrs can be seen selling their bodies on the streets in order to survive.

It is a well known fact that it is the commuters who travel between the two countries who fuel the sex industry.  Human rights activists are also concerned that young and vulnerable Ugandan girls are being trafficked to ‘work’ as prostitutes in Juba with the hope of making good money for themselves.

Authorities at the child protection unit in Atiak have said up to 15 parents have reported their daughters missing.  They believe their children went to Sudan.  Only one girl has since returned home.  The Atiak parents are now calling on the authorities to intervene.

Mr. Okongo Gabriel, who is in charge of the child protection unit in Atiak, believes that there could be many more children working as prostitutes in Juba but their parents are afraid to come forward because of the stigma it would bring to the family.  END. Please log into www.ugandacorrespondent.com every Monday to read our top stories and anytime mid-week for our news updates.