Students at Ibanda University are raising alarm over the ongoing condom shortage that has hit public health facilities across the district, warning that the crisis could lead to a spike in sexually transmitted infections and unplanned pregnancies among young people.
For months, free condoms have been out of stock in most health centres, leaving students—many of whom rely on public supply points—without affordable protection. District health officials have advised residents to buy condoms from private clinics and pharmacies, but students say that option is out of reach for many.
“Most of us can’t afford to buy condoms every week,” said a male student who requested anonymity. “We depend on the free ones from the university clinic and nearby health centres. Now they tell us to go to private pharmacies where a pack costs up to Shs2,000. It’s not sustainable.”
Rising Fears on Campus
Students say the shortage has already changed behaviour on campus, with some admitting that it has become harder to practice safe sex consistently. Others worry that without immediate government intervention, the progress made in HIV prevention could be undone.
“This shortage is putting young people at risk,” said Tracy Kyomuhendo, a third-year student of Social Work. “We are being told to ‘act responsibly,’ but how can we when condoms are nowhere to be found? The government needs to take youth health seriously.”
Ibanda University’s student leaders have called on the Ministry of Health to prioritize tertiary institutions in any emergency supply plan, warning that universities are high-risk zones for unprotected sex due to the youth population.
Health Officials Urge Caution
Ibanda District Condom Focal Person, Vincent Mugisha, acknowledged the shortage and confirmed that most public facilities have run out of stock.
“We are currently facing an acute shortage of condoms in all our public health facilities,” he said. “As a temporary measure, we are advising residents to buy condoms from private clinics and pharmacies.”
He blamed the crisis on the withdrawal of support by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), which had been a key supplier in Uganda’s national condom distribution program.
Since USAID ended its support, the Ministry of Health has struggled to keep up with demand, leading to widespread shortages not only in hospitals but also in bars, lodges, and campuses that previously offered free condoms.
In Ibanda town, condoms now sell for between Shs1,500 and Shs20,000 depending on brand and quantity. Popular brands like Kiss and Moods, once freely distributed, are now available only through private outlets.
“This is not just a health issue—it’s an economic one too,” said a university guild representative. “Students shouldn’t have to choose between buying food and buying protection.”
Public health experts warn that the shortage could undo years of HIV prevention efforts if not addressed quickly. Uganda has been grappling with intermittent condom shortages since early 2024, worsened by import fees and reduced donor funding.
Mugisha said the district health department is in touch with the Ministry of Health and remains hopeful that free condom distribution will resume soon.
“We are hopeful that the government will find a sustainable solution,” he said. “In the meantime, we urge everyone to act responsibly and continue practicing safe sex.”
But on the ground, Ibanda University students say patience is running thin. “We’re tired of promises,” said another student. “We just want protection back on our shelves.”
