The Uganda AIDS Commission (UAC) has proposed training Members of Parliament on proper condom use so they can effectively educate their constituents, following concerns over slow progress in the country’s fight against HIV/AIDS.
The proposal was made by UAC Board Chairperson, Ruth Ssenyonyi, while appearing before Parliament’s Committee on HIV/AIDS and Other Related Matters on October 15, 2025, during a briefing on the current status of HIV in Uganda.
“One day, instead of just presenting reports, we would like to come and offer practical information, such as how to use condoms,” Ssenyonyi said. “You may think people know, but many do not. As representatives of the people, it is important that MPs are fully equipped with accurate information.”
Her comments followed a request from Denis Onekalit (Kitgum Municipality MP), who asked the Commission to provide statistics highlighting regions with low condom use and high levels of transactional sex, which have been cited as the main drivers of new infections.
“In the digital age, we assume people know how to use condoms, but many actually don’t, including our children,” Onekalit said. “We need clear data on where these practices are more prevalent so we can focus interventions.”
Committee Chairperson Sarah Kayagi Netalisile welcomed the idea, noting that many lawmakers on the committee have no medical background and may lack familiarity with HIV-related terminology and prevention tools.
“Some members have been on the Committee for less than a year and are still learning,” she said. “If some of them engaged directly with persons living positively, they might unintentionally use inappropriate language. Training will help improve communication and advocacy.”
She added with candour:
“I have Catholics on the Committee who have never used a condom, so teaching them would be a great step.”
The proposal is expected to spark wider discussion on how to bridge knowledge gaps among policymakers to strengthen Uganda’s HIV prevention strategies.
