The Impact of Poverty On Increasing Rates of HIV/AIDS Among Young Girls and Women in Kampala a Case Study of Katanga Region

ABSTRACT The study aimed at accessing the impact of poverty on increasing rates of HIV/AIDS among young girls and women of Katanga region, Kampala District. The objectives of this research were to find out the causes of poverty in Katanga, to access the impact of poverty on increasing rates of HIV/AIDS among young girls and women and find out alternative ways to reduce poverty other than prostitution that has led to increment of HIV/AIDS among young girls and women. The study consisted of 30 respondents whereby 15 were women, 10 were young girls and 5were men.Data was be collected using self-administereçl questionnaires and was analysed and proccessed using both qualitative and quantitative research methods. Tables were in data presentation and later explained as per the results from the field findings. The study findings also revealed that the major cause of poverty in Katanga region is low levels of education. In line with the second objective of the study, the major impact of poverty on increasing rates of HIV/AIDS was prostitution and however respondents gave that the most effective prevention to poverty other than engagement in commercial sex that increases HIV/AIDS rates among young girls and women was starting up small scale businesses since the education levels were low. The researcher therefore concluded that introducing adult learning, sensitization of people about importance of education and educational investment will be useful in reducing the low levels of education the major cause of poverty because though jobs were there people would not have the qualifications for them. It wa~ also recommended that young girls be counseled and sensitized on the dangers of prostitution. The Government should also fund through the “Bona Bagagawale” project which would help people of Katanga curb poverty that increases HIV/AIDS rates