The Mbarara District Health Officer, Dr. Peter Ssebutinde, has expressed concern over reports that some school-going boys are sneaking out of school to engage in commercial sex with older women in Kijungu, a suburb of Mbarara City.
According to Dr Ssebutinde, the trend poses a serious public health risk and could expose the young boys to HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). He warned that the practice could undermine ongoing efforts to protect young people from risky sexual behaviour.
The health official revealed that authorities have received reports indicating that some students, particularly boys, leave school premises without authorization and travel to Kijungu, where they allegedly engage in sexual activities with women older than them in exchange for money or other favours.
Dr. Ssebutinde described the development as worrying, noting that many of the learners involved may not fully understand the long-term health consequences of their actions.
“This behaviour is putting young boys at risk of contracting HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases. It is a matter that requires urgent attention from parents, schools, and the wider community,” he said.
He called upon school administrators to tighten supervision of learners and strengthen measures aimed at preventing students from leaving school compounds without permission. He also urged parents to closely monitor their children’s movements and maintain open discussions about sexual health and responsible behaviour.
Education stakeholders in the district have been encouraged to work together with health officials to raise awareness about the dangers associated with risky sexual practices among young people.
The warning comes amid continued efforts by health authorities to reduce HIV infections among adolescents and young adults, who remain among the most vulnerable groups in the country.
Dr Ssebutinde emphasized that protecting learners requires a collective effort involving schools, families, religious leaders, and community members to ensure that young people are guided toward making safe and responsible life choices.
Local authorities are expected to engage stakeholders in discussions aimed at addressing the issue and strengthening child protection mechanisms in schools and surrounding communities.
