For citizens searching for justice in Uganda, the answer might surprisingly come in the form of a condom. The Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs has stirred both shock and amusement after allocating a staggering Shs115 million to train its staff on proper condom use – proving that in the fight against HIV, no government office is exempt from the president’s famous ABC (Abstinence, Be Faithful, Condom Use) strategy.

The eyebrow-raising budget item immediately drew sharp reactions across the political spectrum. Jonathan Odur, the Shadow Minister for Constitutional Affairs, voiced what many were thinking: “Why are we teaching Ministry staff how to use condoms?” His question cut to the heart of growing concerns about government spending priorities at a time when many Ugandans struggle with delayed justice and underfunded courts.

But Justice Minister Nobert Mao stood firm in defense of the controversial allocation. “Our president has led the HIV/AIDS fight for decades. These funds represent our commitment to that battle,” Mao countered, his tone suggesting the matter shouldn’t be reduced to jokes. “Condoms remain a critical prevention tool, not a laughing matter.”

The condom training program forms part of broader health initiatives within government institutions, reflecting President Museveni’s long-standing emphasis on HIV education since the epidemic’s devastating peak in the 1990s. Ministry insiders reveal the training will cover proper usage techniques, storage conditions, and even negotiation skills for partners reluctant to use protection.

The debate has spilled beyond ministerial offices into Parliament’s hallowed halls, where condom demonstrations have become as routine as budget discussions. “Every government worker must lead by example in HIV prevention,” remarked one health committee member, who asked not to be named. “If that means learning about condoms during work hours, so be it.”

Critics however question the program’s timing and cost. At Shs115 million, the training budget could pay salaries for 23 junior judges or cover case backlog reduction initiatives in three regional courts. “Is this the best use of justice sector funds when many Ugandans can’t access basic legal services?” asked a senior lawyer at the Uganda Law Society.

Minister Mao remains unmoved by such arguments. “Public health is justice too,” he asserted during a press briefing. “When we prevent HIV infections among staff, we reduce medical bills, absenteeism, and ultimately save lives. That’s smart budgeting.” Health experts partially support this view, noting that workplace HIV programs typically yield long-term economic benefits.

Public response has ranged from applause to outright mockery. On social media, #CondomJustice trended for hours with memes depicting judges wearing condom-shaped wigs and lawyers presenting condoms as exhibit A. “Next they’ll teach Supreme Court justices how to put on condoms blindfolded,” joked one Twitter user, referencing judicial robes.

But HIV activists have welcomed the move. “Breaking condom stigma starts with leadership,” said Joanita Nvannungi of the Uganda AIDS Commission. “If lawyers and judges can openly discuss protection, it sets a powerful example for the nation.” Recent data shows condom use declining among Ugandan adults, with only 30% of sexually active youth using them consistently.

The controversy highlights Uganda’s delicate balancing act between health priorities and public expectations of government spending. While new HIV infections have dropped significantly from their peak, the country still records about 50,000 new cases annually – making prevention programs as crucial as ever.

President Museveni’s ABC approach, credited with Uganda’s early success against HIV, now faces modern challenges. Where abstinence messages once dominated billboards, today’s reality includes rising casual sex among youth and persistent myths about condom effectiveness. The Justice Ministry’s program attempts to address these gaps through institutional training.

“Government workplaces are microcosms of society,” explained Dr. Joshua Musinguzi of the Health Ministry’s AIDS Control Program. “When we normalize condom talk in formal settings, it reduces shame and increases usage nationwide.” Similar programs already operate in the military and police force, though rarely with such public scrutiny.

As the debate rages, the Justice Ministry prepares to roll out its training next quarter. Participants will receive certificates – and presumably, sample packs – marking their completion of what may be Uganda’s most controversial workplace seminar.

For citizens awaiting legal reforms and faster court processes, the condom controversy serves as an ironic distraction. Yet it also raises profound questions about how government should balance immediate service delivery with long-term public health investments.

One thing remains clear: in Uganda’s justice system, the phrase “protective measures” has taken on a whole new meaning. Whether this Shs115 million investment will yield legal or just health dividends, only time – and perhaps reduced HIV rates among judicial staff – will tell.

As Minister Mao put it: “Justice delayed is justice denied, but an HIV infection is a life sentence. Our ministry intends to prevent both.” The nation now watches to see if this unusual budget item will stand up to court of public opinion – or get tossed out like yesterday’s used protection.