Gulu city registers 'notable' condom usage increase

GULU - As Uganda prepares to join the global celebration of International Condoms Day today, February 13, 2026, Gulu City has reported a notable increase in condom usage.

Condoms are a key driver in the prevention of unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV and syphilis. It is estimated that every year, over a million people acquire STIs and estimated 80 million unintended pregnancies globally.

According to a report from the city health department, condoms placed in public dispensers are being used quickly, often running out within one to two weeks of replenishment.

The dispensers are strategically installed in high-traffic areas such as popular hangout spots, discos, and public offices to ensure easy access for the city dwellers.

Gulu City Health Educator Geoffrey Onyuta Topiny said the health department has intensified public awareness campaigns to encourage condom use.

He, however, revealed that despite the rapid depletion of condoms from dispensers, the HIV prevalence rate in Gulu remains high at over eight per cent.

He added that occasional stock shortages do occur, but non-governmental organisations often step in to distribute condoms in high-risk venues such as lodges and hotels.

Prevention programmes

Health ministry health services director general Dr Charles Olaro reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to financing prevention programmes and maintaining a steady supply of condoms across the country.

“The Government has committed financing, and we are working with other partners to ensure condoms are available,” Olaro said.

“I want to speak to young people. Our parents ensured that they produced safe children, but they have been let down by their children,” he said.

He stressed that free government-provided condoms remain safe and effective, urging the public to use them without fear or stigma.

“As government, we have committed that the supply of condoms will be available. The ministry will continue to ensure awareness, and I encourage the media to send out this information,” he said.

Condom uptake and disposal challenges

From the policy and co-ordination side, Charles Otai, a monitoring and evaluation officer at the Uganda AIDS Commission, early this week said Uganda has made notable progress but still faces major gaps in condom uptake.

“Since 2010, we have reduced HIV infections by about 61 per cent by championing the ABC [Abstinence, Being faithful and Condom] approach, and now we are pushing condom use even more,” Otai said.

However, he noted that condom use remains low compared to neighbouring countries.

He cited a recent survey that indicated that only about 17 per cent of respondents reported using condoms during their last sexual encounter, compared to Kenya at 67 per cent and Tanzania at 47 per cent.

Health ministry spokesperson Emmanuel Ainebyona raised another emerging concern regarding environmental safety.

“There is a need for proper mechanisms for disposing of used condoms. Disposal should be our concern for the betterment of our environment,” Ainebyona said.

HIV prevalence in other areas

According to the country's 2025 HIV estimates, prevalence for Kyotera stood at 12.6 per cent, Kasese 2.4 per cent and Wakiso 7.1 per cent. 

Among adults of 15 to 49 years of age, women had the highest prevalence rate at 6.4 per cent, while men at 3.4 per cent. On a general rate, HIV prevalence stands at 4.9 per cent.

Estimated People Living with HIV (PLHIV) stands at 1,527,238 as of 2024 statistics. 37,000 people became newly infected in 2024.

The Gulu City Council is expected to use the day to further raise awareness about the importance of condom use, according to him.