Sex workers operating at Bombocha trading area along the Kabale–Mbarara Road in Kigongi have raised concern over the growing number of clients who refuse to use condoms, warning that the practice is exposing them to increased risk of HIV infection.
The sex workers made the concerns during an engagement with a health team in Kabale District, where they revealed that some men insist on having unprotected sex despite the dangers associated with the spread of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections.
They said the refusal by some clients to use condoms remains one of the biggest challenges in HIV prevention efforts, especially among vulnerable groups.
Kabale District Health Officer Dr. Gilbert Mateeka said the district recorded 653 new HIV infections in the 2025/2026 financial year, with low condom use among men being among the factors contributing to new infections.
Health authorities have also raised concern over continued HIV infections among young women despite improvements in treatment access and viral suppression among people living with HIV.
Between January and March 2026, Kabale recorded 173 new HIV cases, with 75 infections occurring among women aged between 20 and 39 years.
Kabale District Health Educator Alfred Besigensi said 17,462 people were tested during the period, resulting in a 1% HIV positivity rate.
Currently, Kabale District has 19,021 people living with HIV, with 9,921 active clients receiving care and treatment. The district has achieved a 98% viral suppression rate among 8,749 patients on antiretroviral therapy, meaning most patients on treatment have reduced the virus to undetectable levels.
However, Dr. Mateeka warned that the continued rise in infections among young women shows that prevention efforts still face major challenges.
He attributed the trend to several factors, including poverty, transactional and cross-generational sex, alcohol and substance abuse, stigma, and untreated sexually transmitted infections.
Principal Assistant Secretary Gordon Manzi called for stronger economic empowerment programs aimed at supporting vulnerable women to reduce dependence on risky sexual activities.
Assistant Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Nelson Atwongyeire urged parents to take a bigger role in educating young people about sexual health. He also suggested the use of music, school competitions, and other creative approaches to increase HIV awareness among communities.
Health officials have urged men to embrace condom use and called on communities to strengthen prevention efforts as the district works to reduce new HIV infections.
