Doris Naliaka is a reformed sex worker who found herself confined in a foreign land after a woman she thought would change her life duped her and coerced her to engage in sex work. She tells Jael Musumba how the act changed her life

How did you end up in South Sudan?

My journey started when my parents separated while I was in Form Four. Facing frustrations and lacking basic needs, I got involved in an early relationship and became pregnant. I ended up sitting my Form Four exams while expectant. After finishing the exams, I immediately got married. Before I could even receive my exam results, I became pregnant again. Life became increasingly difficult, with frequent fights, which ultimately led to our separation.

Confused and seeking stability, I moved back in with my parents and started searching for job opportunities to support my family. It was during this time that a woman came to our home looking for domestic workers to work in Sudan. Desperate for a job, I was enticed by the promise of earning money by selling second-hand clothes on commission. This opportunity led me to Sudan, marking a new chapter in my journey.

Did things go as planned?

 No, not at all. I was deceived into traveling under the false promise of a decent job. On the day of departure, there were several women, who like me, had been lured with a promise of a better job but ended up being coerced into sex work.

What happened exactly?

The woman convinced us, acquired temporary passports and paid for our travel. The entire process took less than a month. Upon arrival, we were told that we would be working as sex workers, and our earnings would depend on our efforts. It was a harsh reality, but we had no choice but to adapt.

How was your first day of work?

It was terrible. We were required to wear revealing clothes, which I initially refused. The next day, a Sudanese customer raped me I couldn’t even walk. I raised the issue with the lady boss but she couldn’t listen to any of my pleas.

Did you manage to escape?

Yes, I devised a plot with one of my clients who seemed to be in love with me. A Kenyan acquaintance, who often frequented the place, helped me escape. He paid for the usual services, we went to the room and the next morning, we left before the lady boss was awake, the man who was a prominent government official, took me to the border, ensured I was cleared, and gave me some money. When I returned home, I used the remaining cash to start a changaa business which unfortunately brought no profits and eventually led to my imprisonment.

Did you tell your mum what had befallen you?

 I was too ashamed to tell her the whole story. I just returned home, gave her the little funds I had and kept the rest for myself. This is the first time I’m opening up.

What happened after your release?

 By the time I was released, election campaigns were underway. I joined a campaign team and in the process I met one of the aspirants in Kibra and we became lovers. Unfortunately, I contracted HIV.

Did you receive any counseling?

 Yes, I did, but it wasn’t enough. Reflecting on my past and the challenges I faced, it was hard to come to terms with everything, especially after meeting someone who shattered my dreams.

How did you decide to make a change?

During my struggles, a friend introduced me to surrogacy work, which nearly cost my life. At that time, I was in need of a job and I was ready to do anything as long as it brings in money. I was a surrogate for three babies before I decided to quit.

What led you to quit surrogacy?

While doing surrogacy work, remember I was on HIV medication, which caused my health to deteriorate. The drastic weight loss became life-threatening, forcing me to quit. I later slipped into depression but decided to change after everyone got tired with my behavour. I decided to change and focus on raising my kids. Right now, I do manual jobs to survive and I’m two years sober and strong.