By Wamala Sipirian
Published: September 24, 2026
Rubanda District Communication Officer Joanita Kobugabe has raised concern over the inadequate supply of functional condom dispensers in the district, warning that limited access to condoms could complicate efforts to prevent new HIV infections.
Kobugabe made the remarks while presenting Rubanda’s HIV communication situation during a Uganda AIDS Commission (UAC) capacity-building meeting for Kigezi sub-region stakeholders and district communication officers from the six districts of Kigezi. The meeting was held in Rukungiri Municipality.
She said several health facilities and public places in Rubanda lack functional condom dispensers, making it difficult for residents to access condoms conveniently.
“Many health facilities and public places in Rubanda lack functional condom dispensers, forcing residents to travel long distances to access them or go without,” Kobugabe said.
Concern Over Access for Young People
Kobugabe said the shortage particularly affects young people, who may face difficulties accessing condoms when they are not readily available in health facilities and other public locations.
“The lack of condom dispensers is affecting access, especially among young people. If people cannot easily get condoms, then we are making it hard to fight new infections,” she added.
She called for greater attention to the availability of condoms as part of broader HIV prevention efforts.
Kobugabe also emphasised the importance of combining access to prevention commodities with accurate and consistent public health communication.
HIV Prevention Efforts in Kigezi
The concerns were raised as stakeholders in the Kigezi sub-region discussed HIV prevention, testing, treatment adherence and community mobilisation.
According to 2025 data presented during the engagement, Rukungiri District recorded the highest HIV prevalence in the Kigezi sub-region at 8.1 percent.
Officials at the meeting described the figures as a call for stronger HIV prevention communication and community mobilisation across the six districts of Kigezi.
The meeting brought together political leaders, district communication officers and health stakeholders to strengthen communication around HIV prevention and treatment.
Uganda AIDS Commission officials emphasised the need for consistent, factual and stigma-free communication, urging stakeholders to ensure communities receive accurate information and are encouraged to seek HIV testing, prevention services and treatment.
Role of District Communication Officers
The engagement also highlighted the role of district communication officers in translating HIV prevention messages into information that communities can understand and act upon.
Stakeholders said continued collaboration among local governments, health facilities, political leaders and communities remains important in addressing barriers to HIV prevention and treatment across the Kigezi sub-region.