Mama FM
Ministry of health pushes condom use amid rising HIV infections and persistent stigma
10 February 2026, 6:13 pm
Byamukama Alozious
As Uganda heads into the Valentine’s Day season, a period often marked by renewed intimacy and increased sexual activity, the Ministry of Health has renewed its call on the public to consistently use condoms as a triple-layer prevention tool against unintended pregnancies, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV, and other related health risks.
Health officials warn that moments of celebration and rekindled relationships often come with heightened risk-taking, yet condom use in Uganda remains significantly low compared to neighboring countries. According to data from the Ministry of Health and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), condom utilization stands at about 59 percent among men, while female condom use is alarmingly low at just 1 percent.
The concern is compounded by recent HIV statistics. In 2025, Uganda recorded at least 37,000 new HIV infections. Health authorities note that the majority of new infections occur among young people, despite the fact that condoms remain one of the most cost-effective and widely available prevention tools. Last year alone, the Ministry of Health distributed more than 200 million condoms nationwide through public facilities and partners, including AHF Uganda Cares, which operates over 70 clinics across the country. The combined investment in condom procurement and distribution is estimated to be close to one billion shillings.
However, the Ministry acknowledges growing challenges, particularly reduced external funding for condom procurement and last-mile distribution. Dr.Charles Olaro, the Director General of Health Services, says government remains committed to ensuring a steady supply of condoms, including increased use of locally manufactured products. He also emphasized efforts to improve access to female condoms and encourage their utilization.
Dr.Olaro appealed directly to young people to take responsibility for prevention, noting that mothers are routinely tested and supported to prevent HIV transmission during pregnancy and delivery. “It would be hypocritical for children to expose themselves knowingly when mothers have sacrificed so much to protect them before birth,” he said.
On Friday 13th , the government will commemorate National Condom Day in Fort Portal City in western Uganda, a region that continues to register concerning HIV figures. Recent data indicates HIV prevalence in the western region at 4.9 percent, compared to a national prevalence of 5.4 percent. National statistics also show that condom use among young people remains between 18 and 24 percent, despite the fact that youth constitute nearly 70 percent of Uganda’s population.
Civil society and implementing partners point to misinformation, stigma, and lack of practical knowledge as major barriers. Martha Mbabazi of Uganda Cares says many people still do not know how to use condoms correctly. She explains that proper use includes ensuring erection before application for men, adequate lubrication for women using female condoms, checking expiry dates, and gently pressing the tip to remove air. She added that rushed use often leads to errors and failure. Mbabazi also noted that newer condom varieties now include different flavors to address complaints about smell and discomfort.
Responding to long-standing concerns about condom sizes, Dr. Olaro confirmed that government plans are underway to introduce a wider range of sizes to address user complaints and improve acceptability.
Boniface Epoku, head of the Condom Program at the Ministry of Health, reiterated Uganda’s commitment to ending HIV as a public health threat by 2030, in line with global targets. He said condoms are expected to play a critical role alongside other prevention strategies such as antiretroviral therapy (ART), male circumcision, and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). While condoms currently contribute about 10 percent to overall HIV prevention impact, Epoku noted that with improved uptake, they could avert at least 15 percent of new infections by 2030.
Stigma remains a major obstacle. Dr. Olaro noted that many people fear openly asking for condoms due to shame or cultural taboos. “Some people go to shops and ask vaguely for ‘that thing’ instead of mentioning condoms directly. In some communities, condom use is still considered taboo,” he said.
The Ministry of Health has also raised concerns about improper disposal of used condoms. Emmanuel Ainebyona, the Senior Public Relations Officer at the Ministry, reminded the public that condoms are medical waste and should be disposed of properly to protect environmental health and sanitation. He warned that in some communities, discarded condoms are found in open spaces, posing risks of infection, particularly to children.
The program analyst at UNFPA Dr. Francis Engwau acknowledged that cultural resistance and misconceptions persist in some communities but praised the Ministry of Health and the Uganda AIDS Commission for sustained community sensitization efforts. He said UNFPA has worked closely with government on improving messaging, addressing concerns around sizes, and ensuring condoms reach hard-to-reach areas, including islands and HIV hotspots.
Dr. Engwau added that despite funding losses affecting last-mile distribution in recent years, improvements in quantification and community feedback have helped diversify condom options available in Uganda. “It is important that the consumer guides us on their needs. Over the years, community feedback has shaped the types of condoms we provide, and we are seeing positive responses,” he said.