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Sex workers in lockdown Kampala

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Esther (centre), a receptionist...ad of the COVID-19 coronavirus.

1 of 24 © 2024 Sumy Sadurni

Esther (centre), a receptionist for Lady Mermaid and sex worker, helps distribute aid to her fellow sex workers who have not recieved any food by the government due to the stigma surrounding their line of work, in Katanga slum, Kampala, May 7th, 2020. Lady Mermaid is Uganda's leading organisation ran mostly by sex workers supporting sex workers, who have been greatly impacted by the lockdown as they cannot work anymore. Uganda has been on a nationwide lockdown with a strict 7pm curfew since March 31st, 2020, in a bid to halt the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus.Uganda has been on a nationwide lockdown with a strict 7pm curfew since March 31st, 2020, in a bid to halt the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus.

A sex worker in Katanga slum, K...ad of the COVID-19 coronavirus.

2 of 24 © 2024 Sumy Sadurni

A sex worker in Katanga slum, Kampala, recieves aid from Lady Mermaid as her community leader did not include her in the government's food distribution programme due to her line of work, on May 7th 2020. Lady Mermaid is Uganda's leading organisation ran mostly by sex workers supporting sex workers, who have been greatly impacted by the lockdown as they cannot work anymore. Uganda has been on a nationwide lockdown with a strict 7pm curfew since March 31st, 2020, in a bid to halt the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus.

A young sex worker in Mbuya slu...ad of the COVID-19 coronavirus.

3 of 24 © 2024 Sumy Sadurni

A young sex worker in Mbuya slum, Kampala, waits for aid by Lady Mermaid, as she have been cut off from government food distribution due to her line of work, May 13th 2020. Uganda has been on a nationwide lockdown with a strict 7pm curfew since March 31st, 2020, in a bid to halt the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus.

Sarah, assistant coordinator at...ad of the COVID-19 coronavirus.

4 of 24 © 2024 Sumy Sadurni

Sarah, assistant coordinator at Lady Mermaid's organisation, helps distribute aid to sex workers' in Banda slum, Kampala on May 13, 2020. Lady Mermaid is Uganda's leading organisation supporting sex workers, who have been greatly impacted by the lockdown as they cannot work anymore. Uganda has been on a nationwide lockdown with a strict 7pm curfew since March 31st, 2020, in a bid to halt the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus.

Teopista, a sex worker in Mbuya...ad of the COVID-19 coronavirus.

5 of 24 © 2024 Sumy Sadurni

Teopista, a sex worker in Mbuya slum, Kampala, cheers up as she recieved much needed aid from Lady Mermaid's organisation on May 13, 2020. Uganda has been on a nationwide lockdown with a strict 7pm curfew since March 31st, 2020, in a bid to halt the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus.

Banda slum in Kampala on May 13...ad of the COVID-19 coronavirus.

6 of 24 © 2024 Sumy Sadurni

Banda slum in Kampala on May 13, 2020. Uganda has been on a nationwide lockdown with a strict 7pm curfew since March 31st, 2020, in a bid to halt the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus.Uganda has been on a nationwide lockdown with a strict 7pm curfew since March 31st, 2020, in a bid to halt the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus. slum in Kampala on May 13, 2020. Uganda has been on a nationwide lockdown with a strict 7pm curfew since March 31st, 2020, in a bid to halt the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus.

A sex worker in Bwaise slum, Ka...ad of the COVID-19 coronavirus.

7 of 24 © 2024 Sumy Sadurni

A sex worker in Bwaise slum, Kampala, waits for aid by Lady Mermaid, as herself and her colleagues have been cut off from government food distribution due to her line of work, May 7th 2020. Uganda has been on a nationwide lockdown with a strict 7pm curfew since March 31st, 2020, in a bid to halt the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus.

Lady Hajarah, a former sex work...ad of the COVID-19 coronavirus.

8 of 24 © 2024 Sumy Sadurni

Lady Hajarah, a former sex worker who travelled across Africa for work, is now the Executive Director at Lady Mermaid and advocates for the well-being of all sex workers in Uganda. Lady Mermaid is Uganda's leading organisation supporting sex workers, who have been greatly impacted by the lockdown as they cannot work anymore. Uganda has been on a nationwide lockdown with a strict 7pm curfew since March 31st, 2020, in a bid to halt the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus.

Sarah and Fred prepare to distr...ad of the COVID-19 coronavirus.

9 of 24 © 2024 Sumy Sadurni

Sarah and Fred prepare to distribute aid to sex workers at Lady Mermaid's office in Kampala, on May 7th, 2020. Lady Mermaid is Uganda's leading organisation supporting sex workers, who have been greatly impacted by the lockdown as they cannot work anymore.Uganda has been on a nationwide lockdown with a strict 7pm curfew since March 31st, 2020, in a bid to halt the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus.

The team at Lady Mermaid&#3...ad of the COVID-19 coronavirus.

10 of 24 © 2024 Sumy Sadurni

The team at Lady Mermaid's organisation lays out food ready to be sent to sex workers across Kampala, on May 13, 2020. Lady Mermaid is Uganda's leading organisation supporting sex workers, who have been greatly impacted by the lockdown as they cannot work anymore. Uganda has been on a nationwide lockdown with a strict 7pm curfew since March 31st, 2020, in a bid to halt the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus.

Lady Hajarah, (centre), Executi...ad of the COVID-19 coronavirus.

11 of 24 © 2024 Sumy Sadurni

Lady Hajarah, (centre), Executive Director of Lady Mermaid and former sex worker, organises aid for the women she supports in Kampala on May 13th, 2020. Lady Mermaid is Uganda's leading organisation supporting sex workers, who have been greatly impacted by the lockdown as they cannot work anymore. Uganda has been on a nationwide lockdown with a strict 7pm curfew since March 31st, 2020, in a bid to halt the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus.

Lady Hajarah (right) Executive ...ad of the COVID-19 coronavirus.

12 of 24 © 2024 Sumy Sadurni

Lady Hajarah (right) Executive Director at Lady Mermaid and former sex worker, and Bad Black (left), a well known transgender activist and sex worker, prepare to take aid to women across Kampala who have been financially struggling due to lockdown restricitons, May 13, 2020. Lady Mermaid is Uganda's leading organisation supporting sex workers, who have been greatly impacted by the lockdown as they cannot work anymore. Uganda has been on a nationwide lockdown with a strict 7pm curfew since March 31st, 2020, in a bid to halt the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus.

Doreen (right), a sex worker, a...ad of the COVID-19 coronavirus.

13 of 24 © 2024 Sumy Sadurni

Doreen (right), a sex worker, and Sarah (left), assistant coordinator at Lady Mermaid, discuss how best to organise sending aid to sex workers who have been left without financial stability, in Kampala May 13, 2020. Lady Mermaid is Uganda's leading organisation supporting sex workers, who have been greatly impacted by the lockdown as they cannot work anymore. Uganda has been on a nationwide lockdown with a strict 7pm curfew since March 31st, 2020, in a bid to halt the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus.

Lady Hajarah, Executive Directo...ad of the COVID-19 coronavirus.

14 of 24 © 2024 Sumy Sadurni

Lady Hajarah, Executive Director at Lady Mermaid and former sex worker, prays at her office in Kampala during Ramadan, May 13th, 2020. Lady Mermaid is Uganda's leading organisation supporting sex workers, who have been greatly impacted by the lockdown as they cannot work anymore. Uganda has been on a nationwide lockdown with a strict 7pm curfew since March 31st, 2020, in a bid to halt the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus.

Gertrude, a sex worker in Ntind...ad of the COVID-19 coronavirus.

15 of 24 © 2024 Sumy Sadurni

Gertrude, a sex worker in Ntinda, Kampala, has been financially impacted by the strict lockdown because she is unable to seek work or go to brothels, and can't afford food or health care, which she desparetly needs as she suffers from ulcers, May 13th, 2020. Uganda has been on a nationwide lockdown with a strict 7pm curfew since March 31st, 2020, in a bid to halt the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus.

Margaret, 26, is a sex worker b...ad of the COVID-19 coronavirus.

16 of 24 © 2024 Sumy Sadurni

Margaret, 26, is a sex worker but also assists operations with Lady Mermaid's organisation in her area of Kampala, because she cares for her colleagues and their well-being, May 13, 2020Uganda has been on a nationwide lockdown with a strict 7pm curfew since March 31st, 2020, in a bid to halt the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus.

Esther (far left), a receptioni...ad of the COVID-19 coronavirus.

17 of 24 © 2024 Sumy Sadurni

Esther (far left), a receptionist for Lady Mermaid and sex worker, helps distribute aid to her fellow sex workers who have not recieved any food by the government due to the stigma surrounding their line of work, in Katanga slum, Kampala, May 7th, 2020. Lady Mermaid is Uganda's leading organisation ran mostly by sex workers supporting sex workers, who have been greatly impacted by the lockdown as they cannot work anymore. Uganda has been on a nationwide lockdown with a strict 7pm curfew since March 31st, 2020, in a bid to halt the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus.

A brothel which is temporarily ...ad of the COVID-19 coronavirus.

18 of 24 © 2024 Sumy Sadurni

A brothel which is temporarily closed due to lockdown restricitons in Bwaise slum, Kampala, on May 7th 2020. Uganda has been on a nationwide lockdown with a strict 7pm curfew since March 31st, 2020, in a bid to halt the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus.

Sisters Irene and Rebecca, both...ad of the COVID-19 coronavirus.

19 of 24 © 2024 Sumy Sadurni

Sisters Irene and Rebecca, both 19, can't go to work as the brothel they usually work in (where their mother also works), has been closed due to lockdown restrictions, and they say they can't wait to go back to work because it's easy money. Bwaise slum, May 7th, 2020. Uganda has been on a nationwide lockdown with a strict 7pm curfew since March 31st, 2020, in a bid to halt the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus.

An LGBT activist in Kampala, ta...ad of the COVID-19 coronavirus.

20 of 24 © 2024 Sumy Sadurni

An LGBT activist in Kampala, takes aid for LGBT sex workers who have been left without any means of work due to the lockdown restriction on May, 13, 2020. Uganda has been on a nationwide lockdown with a strict 7pm curfew since March 31st, 2020, in a bid to halt the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus.

A sex worker in Katanga slum, K...id to halt the spread of the CO

21 of 24 © 2024 Sumy Sadurni

A sex worker in Katanga slum, Kampala, recieves aid from Lady Mermaid as her community leader did not include her in the government's food distribution programme due to her line of work, on May 7th 2020. Lady Mermaid is Uganda's leading organisation ran mostly by sex workers supporting sex workers, who have been greatly impacted by the lockdown as they cannot work anymore. Uganda has been on a nationwide lockdown with a strict 7pm curfew since March 31st, 2020, in a bid to halt the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus. slum, Kampala, recieves aid from Lady Mermaid as her community leader did not include her in the government's food distribution programme due to her line of work, on May 7th 2020. Lady Mermaid is Uganda's leading organisation ran mostly by sex workers supporting sex workers, who have been greatly impacted by the lockdown as they cannot work anymore. Uganda has been on a nationwide lockdown with a strict 7pm curfew since March 31st, 2020, in a bid to halt the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus. slum, Kampala, recieves aid from Lady Mermaid as her community leader did not include her in the government's food distribution programme due to her line of work, on May 7th 2020. Lady Mermaid is Uganda's leading organisation ran mostly by sex workers supporting sex workers, who have been greatly impacted by the lockdown as they cannot work anymore. Uganda has been on a nationwide lockdown with a strict 7pm curfew since March 31st, 2020, in a bid to halt the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus. slum, Kampala, recieves aid from Lady Mermaid as her community leader did not include her in the government's food distribution programme due to her line of work, on May 7th 2020. Lady Mermaid is Uganda's leading organisation ran mostly by sex workers supporting sex workers, who have been greatly impacted by the lockdown as they cannot work anymore. Uganda has been on a nationwide lockdown with a strict 7pm curfew since March 31st, 2020, in a bid to halt the spread of the CO

A sex worker in Katanga slum, K...id to halt the spread of the CO

22 of 24 © 2024 Sumy Sadurni

A sex worker in Katanga slum, Kampala, recieves aid from Lady Mermaid as her community leader did not include her in the government's food distribution programme due to her line of work, on May 7th 2020. Lady Mermaid is Uganda's leading organisation ran mostly by sex workers supporting sex workers, who have been greatly impacted by the lockdown as they cannot work anymore. Uganda has been on a nationwide lockdown with a strict 7pm curfew since March 31st, 2020, in a bid to halt the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus. slum, Kampala, recieves aid from Lady Mermaid as her community leader did not include her in the government's food distribution programme due to her line of work, on May 7th 2020. Lady Mermaid is Uganda's leading organisation ran mostly by sex workers supporting sex workers, who have been greatly impacted by the lockdown as they cannot work anymore. Uganda has been on a nationwide lockdown with a strict 7pm curfew since March 31st, 2020, in a bid to halt the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus. slum, Kampala, recieves aid from Lady Mermaid as her community leader did not include her in the government's food distribution programme due to her line of work, on May 7th 2020. Lady Mermaid is Uganda's leading organisation ran mostly by sex workers supporting sex workers, who have been greatly impacted by the lockdown as they cannot work anymore. Uganda has been on a nationwide lockdown with a strict 7pm curfew since March 31st, 2020, in a bid to halt the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus. slum, Kampala, recieves aid from Lady Mermaid as her community leader did not include her in the government's food distribution programme due to her line of work, on May 7th 2020. Lady Mermaid is Uganda's leading organisation ran mostly by sex workers supporting sex workers, who have been greatly impacted by the lockdown as they cannot work anymore. Uganda has been on a nationwide lockdown with a strict 7pm curfew since March 31st, 2020, in a bid to halt the spread of the CO

Justine (left), Sarah (centre) ...ad of the COVID-19 coronavirus.

23 of 24 © 2024 Sumy Sadurni

Justine (left), Sarah (centre) and Margaret (right), check a list of the sex workers they will be assisting on behalf of Lady Mermaid's organisation in Mbuya slum, Kampala on May 13th, 2020. Lady Mermaid is Uganda's leading organisation supporting sex workers, who have been greatly impacted by the lockdown as they cannot work anymore. Uganda has been on a nationwide lockdown with a strict 7pm curfew since March 31st, 2020, in a bid to halt the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus.

A sex worker in Mbuya slum, Kam...ad of the COVID-19 coronavirus.

24 of 24 © 2024 Sumy Sadurni

A sex worker in Mbuya slum, Kampala, waits for aid by Lady Mermaid, as she have been cut off from government food distribution due to her line of work, May 13th 2020. Uganda has been on a nationwide lockdown with a strict 7pm curfew since March 31st, 2020, in a bid to halt the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus.

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Thumbnail of Esther (centre), a receptionist _ead of the COVID-19 coronavirus.

Thumbnail of A sex worker in Katanga slum, Ka_ead of the COVID-19 coronavirus.

Thumbnail of A young sex worker in Mbuya slum_ead of the COVID-19 coronavirus.

Thumbnail of Sarah, assistant coordinator at _ead of the COVID-19 coronavirus.

Thumbnail of Teopista, a sex worker in Mbuya _ead of the COVID-19 coronavirus.

Thumbnail of Banda slum in Kampala on May 13,_ead of the COVID-19 coronavirus.

Thumbnail of A sex worker in Bwaise slum, Kam_ead of the COVID-19 coronavirus.

Thumbnail of Lady Hajarah, a former sex worke_ead of the COVID-19 coronavirus.

Thumbnail of Sarah and Fred prepare to distri_ead of the COVID-19 coronavirus.

Thumbnail of The team at Lady Mermaid&#39_ead of the COVID-19 coronavirus.

Thumbnail of Lady Hajarah, (centre), Executiv_ead of the COVID-19 coronavirus.

Thumbnail of Lady Hajarah (right) Executive D_ead of the COVID-19 coronavirus.

Thumbnail of Doreen (right), a sex worker, an_ead of the COVID-19 coronavirus.

Thumbnail of Lady Hajarah, Executive Director_ead of the COVID-19 coronavirus.

Thumbnail of Gertrude, a sex worker in Ntinda_ead of the COVID-19 coronavirus.

Thumbnail of Margaret, 26, is a sex worker bu_ead of the COVID-19 coronavirus.

Thumbnail of Esther (far left), a receptionis_ead of the COVID-19 coronavirus.

Thumbnail of A brothel which is temporarily c_ead of the COVID-19 coronavirus.

Thumbnail of Sisters Irene and Rebecca, both _ead of the COVID-19 coronavirus.

Thumbnail of An LGBT activist in Kampala, tak_ead of the COVID-19 coronavirus.

Thumbnail of A sex worker in Katanga slum, Ka_bid to halt the spread of the CO

Thumbnail of A sex worker in Katanga slum, Ka_bid to halt the spread of the CO

Thumbnail of Justine (left), Sarah (centre) a_ead of the COVID-19 coronavirus.

Thumbnail of A sex worker in Mbuya slum, Kamp_ead of the COVID-19 coronavirus.

Public Project

Sex workers in lockdown Kampala

Copyright Sumy Sadurni 2024

Updated May 2020

Topics Covid-19, Health/Healing, HIV/AIDS, Human Rights, Hunger, Photography, Spotlight, Transgender, Workers Rights

Sex workers in Kampala are struggling from the lockdown imposed in Uganda in order to curb the spread of Covid-19 . They are totally unable to work AND local leaders in their areas have cut them out of government food distribution lists because of the stigma surrounding their line of work.

Lady Mermaid’s Bureau, Uganda’s leading organisation led sex workers for sex workers, has taken it upon themselves to deliver vital household items and HIV medications to the ladies they support. They are a grassroots local organisation led by sex workers for sex workers. Hajarah, the Executive Director, is a former sex worker herself and for years has fought for her womens' rights.

To support LMB's covid programme, donations are accepted via: https://www.gofundme.com/f/kampalaswrelief?fbclid=IwAR2pl7NJIWtJpTxw3EJLvcxz93Z0l3C8tP1RY69tDAbHRs8a6fpU4DB5kyQ

Story published in AFP

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