MPs want free distribution of condoms in Schools

By Henry Sekanjako

Youth MPs under the body umbrella Uganda Parliamentary youth forum have asked government to issue a directive to all Universities and Hotels to ensure free distribution of condoms to their clients to prevent the spread of HIV/Aids.

 This follows a recent report by the ministry of health which showed an increase in Uganda's HIV/AIDS prevalence rate from 6.4% in 2005 to 7.3% as of September last year.

Led by the national youth female MP, Monicah Amonding, the MPs demanded that the ministry of health develops a policy that will make it mandatory for all Hotels , universities among other public places to ensure that their facilities provide free  condoms before they can be licensed .

"We should push government to ensure that there is a policy on free distribution of condoms in public places, china has been doing this and it has worked for them that is why their HIV/AIDS Prevalence rate is low," said Gerald Karuhanga Youth MP western region.

 Eastern Region Youth MP Peter Ogwang added; "how can someone afford to buy a condom at Sh 8000 when they cannot buy a bread of sh200 government should subsidize on the prices of these condoms so that they are affordable by all Ugandans".

They expressed concern that most of the hotels especially those in slum areas like Katanga in wandegeya, Kisenyi frequented by low income earners lack free condoms which has led to unsafe sex among Ugandans.

"Sex is sweet but we should  have it wisely and in a safe way , to all the women make sure you carry condoms in your bags whenever you are go so that in case of anything you are prepared," Karuhanga added.

The MPs made the remarks yesterday at Parliament during the launch of their Campaign dubbed 'country wide HIV/Aids campaign' that is aimed at educating the youth in schools, and churches about the dangers of Aids.

According to Evelyn Anite Youth representative Northern Uganda, the campaign which will start on Friday will see all youth MPs go to Mosques, churches and universities to encourage the youth there on abstinence, use of condoms and faithfulness to those that are married.

"It is shocking that HIV is now more common among married people; such people should have one partner," remarked Amonding.

Statistics by ministry of health indicate that over 130,000 new HIV infections are recorded in the country each year.

The MPs called urged parents not to shy away from sharing their children the importance of abstaining saying it is the only way they can keep safe from Aids.

They also called upon government to ensure enough resource allocation to the ministry of health which handles HIV/Aids related programs for easy monitoring and research.