A new shocking report has revealed that at least 448 youths aged between 15 and 24 years, many of them students in universities and tertiary institutions, were newly infected with HIV in 2025 in Mbarara City, raising alarm among health officials over the growing vulnerability of young people in academic settings.
According to Dorcus Twinabaitu, the city’s HIV focal person, the infections were recorded between January and December 2025 and formed part of the 1,678 new HIV cases registered in the city during the period.
Health data indicates that youths aged 15–24 accounted for 448 infections, making them the second most affected age group after adults aged 25–39.
The report further shows that 42 children aged between 0 and 14 years were newly infected during the same period, while 883 infections were recorded among adults aged 25–39, the highest number across all age groups. Another 305 cases were registered among people aged 40 and above.
Ms Twinabaitu said the high infection rate among young people is particularly concerning given that Mbarara City hosts several universities and tertiary institutions that attract thousands of students from across the country.
Public health experts attribute the trend to a combination of high-risk behaviours often associated with campus life, including unprotected sex, multiple sexual partners, alcohol consumption and inconsistent access to HIV prevention services.
They warn that despite ongoing awareness campaigns, many young people still underestimate their risk of contracting HIV.
Health officials are now calling for strengthened HIV prevention interventions targeting youths, especially those in higher institutions of learning.
These measures include scaling up HIV testing, expanding condom distribution, strengthening sexual and reproductive health education, and improving access to youth-friendly health services.
Ms Twinabaitu stressed that curbing infections among young people is vital in controlling the wider HIV epidemic.
“Protecting young people from HIV is essential because they represent the future workforce and leadership of the country,” she said.
Health authorities in Uganda continue to urge youths, particularly those in universities and tertiary institutions, to know their HIV status, practice safe sex and seek early treatment where necessary as part of national efforts to reduce new infections.
