Individual and Communal Factors Associated with Re-Trafficking Vulnerability Among Women Survivors in Kampala,Central Uganda

Abstract

Human trafficking remains a serious and persistent challenge in Uganda, affecting over 1,200 individuals annually, with women and girls disproportionately impacted. Female survivors are often vulnerable to re-trafficking due to the interaction of individual and communal factors. The current study examines the socio-demographic characteristics, perceived social support (PSS), and communal and individual factors influencing re-trafficking vulnerability among female survivors in Uganda. This cross-sectional study, conducted in January 2025, examined factors among 350 female survivors of sex and labor trafficking aged 18 to 35 years, receiving rehabilitation services at seven sites in Kampala. Participants were selected through convenience sampling, and data were collected via face-to-face interviews with the same sex individuals using a structured questionnaire. PSS was measured using the 12-item Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, with scores ≥8.6 indicating positive support. Re-trafficking risk was assessed using the 8-item Adult Human Trafficking Screening Tool (AHTST), with scores ≥5.0 indicating elevated risk. Data analysis involved bivariate and multivariate Poisson regression models with robust variance using Stata version 17. Results showed 70.3% of participants were aged 18 to 24 (mean = 25.4, SD = 8.5), 80% were single, and 48% had only primary education. The mean PSS score was 24.8 (SD = 8.6), and 63.4% reported recent exchange of sex for money. Re-trafficking vulnerability was significantly associated with transactional sex (99.1%, χ² = 11.1, p < .01). Adjusted models indicated that transactional sex and widowhood increased re-trafficking risk by 6% (Adjusted Relative Risk [aRR] = 1.06, p = .014) and 4% (aRR = 1.04, p = .012), respectively, while primary education and family support reduced risk by 5% (aRR = 0.95, p = .021 and p = .003). This study highlights the need to adopt an approach tailored toward reducing trafficking vulnerability, strengthening social support, promoting education, eliminating transactional sex, and creating economic opportunities, which are relevant for long-term reintegration.