Uganda: Member of Parliament Sparks Off Condom Debate

"It's not condoms that bring you peace. It's time for the youth of Uganda to respect their relationships and religious oaths to be free from HIV/AIDS instead of relying on condoms," Nsubuga Nsambu, member of parliament for Makindye West, said on Jan. 4 while speaking to young people at his home. Condoms promote promiscuity, he said, and he accused organizations that distribute them to youth of encouraging immorality. But an official from Taso, a national organization that cares for people with HIV, dismissed his remarks. "Nsambu is not quoting any scientific report; we are sure if condoms are properly kept and used they protect [people from contracting HIV], said Taso Manager Dr. Bernard Etujoit. "We advocate abstinence, being faithful to one sexual partner and a condom only lastly," said Etujoit, who added that Taso has no plans to stop distributing free condoms.

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