On 23rd July 2025, our team conducted a Musawo session in the Nakiwogo fishing community, where we interacted with several sex workers and other community members. The session, which brought together both men and women, explored several issues around safe abortion, sexual pleasure, HIV prevention, among others.
During one of the segments, our Community Peer Mobilizer (CPM)—a trained medic—educated community members on the importance of HIV testing and knowing one’s status. She further explained the benefits of Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP), a medication taken after potential exposure to HIV, and Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), which is used to prevent infection before exposure.
One of the sex workers, Nalwoga, raised a concern about clients who resist using condoms and prefer to go “live,” as commonly said in the community.
“Some clients are willing to offer large sums of money if we don’t use condoms, and sometimes because we need the money, we’re left with no choice but to accept,” Nalwoga said. “Also, I feel more satisfied when I go live than when using a condom,” she added.
Our CPM responded with a firm warning: “Before money, there’s life to protect. You can only make more money when you’re alive—not dead.”
Community members also expressed concern about the limited access to sexual health services in the area, citing the absence of nearby medical facilities. Shockingly, we discovered that members of the community were buying government condoms at UGX 20,000 per box—an unaffordable price for many in this fishing community.
Nabwire Polyne, our Head of Programs, emphasized the importance of understanding bodily autonomy as a right.
“Taking charge of your body protects you from dangerous outcomes that could cost you your life,” she noted.
The session concluded with free HIV testing and distribution of condoms to all participants.
Musawo Sessions are part of our monthly outreach program at Family Medical Point, aimed at engaging communities in discussions around Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR).
