In a surprising twist to the fight against HIV/AIDS, the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs has earmarked Shs140 million for training its staff on condom use.
The funding falls under the government’s broader ABC (Abstinence, Be faithful, Condom use) strategy, championed by President Museveni to curb the spread of HIV.
The allocation, however, sparked immediate debate in Parliament, with Shadow Minister for Constitutional Affairs, Jonathan Odur, questioning the necessity of the initiative. “Why are we teaching the Ministry staff how to use condoms?” he posed, suggesting the funds might be better spent elsewhere.
But Justice Minister Nobert Mao defended the move, insisting the fight against HIV requires all sectors to participate, including his own. “Our president has been at the forefront of fighting HIV/AIDS. Condoms are part of the solution, not a punchline,” Mao responded.
With Parliament now abuzz over the issue, condoms have found their way into budget debates, as lawmakers are reminded that prevention is a shared responsibility.
“Let’s not trivialize this,” Mao added. “The fight against HIV is serious, and so are these funds.”
The Ministry maintains the training is a preventive measure, part of a national health strategy that includes all government institutions—regardless of how unusual the delivery method may seem.