Uganda’s fight against HIV/AIDS is facing fresh challenges as new data shows a worrying rise in infections, particularly among university students and young women living in hostels across major towns.
The Country HIV Estimates 2025 Report revealed that young women between 15 and 24 years are nearly twice as likely to contract HIV compared to their male counterparts.
This age group remains the most vulnerable, especially in urban settings where risky sexual behaviors are reportedly increasing.
Why Hostels Are a Hotspot
Hostels around universities have become a focus for public health experts because they are often unregulated environments where young people experiment with relationships, drugs, and alcohol. According to health officials, some students engage in transactional sex to afford tuition and accommodation, putting them at higher risk.
Mr. Emmanuel Ainebyoona, spokesperson for the Ministry of Health, urged students to embrace regular HIV testing and safer sexual practices.
“We encourage young people to know their status, use protection, and avoid risky behavior. Our goal is to eliminate HIV as a public health threat by 2030, but we cannot succeed without the participation of the youth,” Ainebyoona said.
Government and Stakeholder Response.
The government has stepped up HIV awareness campaigns on campuses and is increasing access to free condoms, PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis), and counseling services. University peer groups and health clubs are also intensifying outreach efforts to break stigma and promote safe lifestyles.
However, experts warn that Uganda is off-track to meet the 2030 target of eliminating HIV. Persistent stigma, lack of consistent funding, and misinformation about prevention tools remain major obstacles.
Call to Action
Health advocates are urging parents, lecturers, and religious leaders to talk openly about sexual health, arguing that silence around HIV only fuels the crisis.
“We must treat this as an emergency. The future of Uganda depends on a healthy and educated youth population,” said Dr. Miriam Lwanga, a public health specialist.
With over 1.4 million Ugandans living with HIV, the fight against the epidemic is far from over. Stakeholders are calling for a united front to make sure the next generation is protected from new infections and empowered with knowledge.
