Tyler Cacek (Western Kentucky University)
Bwaise Brothels
Bronze
International Picture Story
Story: Bwaise Brothels
Waiting
Nakibuka Juliett, a prostitute, waits for customers at her brothel in Kawempe slum, Kampala, Uganda, 13th June 2009.
Story: Bwaise Brothels
Condom
Jane Mwakasacha, a prostitute in the Bwaise brothels, holds out the condom she requires customers to wear . "the boss gives me condoms that sometimes break," she said, "so thats why i make them wear two condoms sometimes."
Story: Bwaise Brothels
HIV Testing
Women vulnerable to contracting HIV are tested for free at a Positive Living clinic in Kampala. Testing is often a socially tabooed practice with many false impressions about what will happen to a women if she is found positive. As a result, many women at risk refuse testing, and those that accept to a test often do so with fear.
Story: Bwaise Brothels
Faith
While conditions remain tough for commercial sex workers, some remain devoted christians, and "pray that god will help us improve our lives," according to one woman.
Story: Bwaise Brothels
English Lessons
Robinah Muhaganzi travels to the slum several times a week to help teach commercial sex workers english. If the women working in the brothels learn english, they have a much higher likelihood of finding a better way to support themselves.
Story: Bwaise Brothels
Daytime
Kwyekiriza Joan and Nakibuka Juliett lie together with a customer inside the brothel during the daytime. Typically business is slow during the day, and the women find themselves sitting around without much to pass the time.
Story: Bwaise Brothels
Ritual Smoking
Prostitutes smoke pipe tobacco and "local medicine" prior to begining the night's work as a ritual to bring a lot of business to their brothel.
Story: Bwaise Brothels
Untitled
Women at the brothel wait for a night of business as the sun goes down.