Has the HIV/AIDS epidemic changed sexual behaviour of high-risk groups in Uganda?

James Ntozi, Makerere University
Innocent Mulindwa
Fred Ahimbisibwe, JCRC, Uganda
Natal Ayiga, Makerere University
Jonathan Odwee, Makerere University

Long distance drivers, prostitutes and barmaids have been identified as the groups that engage in risky sex, which promotes HIV transmission in Uganda and other countries across the continent. This paper investigates whether and why there were changes of sexual behaviour and practices among five risky groups in Uganda as a consequence of HIV/AIDS epidemic. The study is based on data generated from focus group discussions with commercial sex workers, street children, long haul truck drivers, bar maids and adolescents in three districts of Kabale, Kampala and Lira in 1999. Results indicate that despite the existence of HIV/AIDS epidemic and awareness of associated dangers, these groups had only changed their sexual behaviour a little, and they reported to be continuing with multiple sexual partners for a variety of reasons.