Health 22 April 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Uganda AIDS Commission Assures No Immediate Condom Price Hikes Amid Global Disruptions
The Uganda AIDS Commission states that ample condom stocks in storage and on order will prevent immediate price increases in Uganda, despite warnings from the world's largest producer about potential 30% hikes due to supply chain issues from the Iran war. Officials confirm sufficient supply to meet national demand without short-term impacts. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/no-immediate-condom-price-changes-in-uganda-aids-commission--5432964
The Uganda AIDS Commission (UAC) has reassured the public that condom prices in Uganda will not rise immediately, thanks to robust stockpiles and incoming supplies.
Dr. Daniel Byamukama, UAC’s head of HIV prevention, addressed concerns stemming from a report about Malaysia’s Karex, the global leader in condom production, planning a roughly 30% price increase if disruptions from the war in Iran continue. ‘We have enough condom stock and in the pipeline that we shall not be immediately affected,’ he stated.
Karex, which manufactures over 5 billion condoms yearly for brands like Durex and Trojan as well as UN aid programs, cited surging demand, higher freight costs, and shipping delays. Its CEO noted the fragile situation forces cost pass-through to customers.
In Uganda, annual condom use exceeds 150 million units to fight HIV, STDs, and unintended pregnancies. Last financial year, 153 million were distributed via the Total Market Approach. While free condoms are widely available, commercial ones retail for Shs1,000 to Shs3,000, potentially rising to Shs1,300-Shs4,000 if global issues persist.
The Iran conflict has disrupted worldwide trade, including 35% of global crude oil through the Strait of Hormuz, per UN reports, heightening economic pressures across sectors.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)