“Some men wrongly interpret natural lubrication as a sign that a woman is ‘safe’ or free from infections,” Twinabaitu explained. “But HIV transmission has nothing to do with whether someone appears wet or dry.”
Health officials in Mbarara are sounding the alarm over a growing misconception spreading through the city’s nightlife—one that experts warn is quietly fueling new HIV infections.
In the crowded bars and entertainment spots that light up the city after dark, a dangerous belief has taken hold among some men: that women who appear “wet” during sexual encounters cannot transmit HIV. Health experts say the myth has no scientific basis, yet it continues to influence risky sexual behavior.
According to Dorcus Twinabaitu, the misconception has become increasingly common in drinking places where transactional sex often occurs.
“Some men wrongly interpret natural lubrication as a sign that a woman is ‘safe’ or free from infections,” Twinabaitu explained. “But HIV transmission has nothing to do with whether someone appears wet or dry.”
Medical experts stress that HIV can be transmitted regardless of physical signs during sex. Unprotected sexual contact remains one of the primary ways the virus spreads.
Twinabaitu said the problem is particularly visible in bars where alcohol, misinformation, and impulsive decision-making combine to create high-risk situations.
“We are seeing a trend where people meet in bars and quickly engage in transactional sex without protection,” she said. “Alcohol often lowers caution, and myths like these make the situation even more dangerous.”
The warning comes amid growing concern over HIV prevalence in the region. During a recent oversight visit to Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital, officials from the Uganda AIDS Commission reviewed ongoing HIV programs and challenges faced by healthcare providers.
The delegation was led by Ruth Senyonyi and Dr. Nelson Musoba. At the hospital’s Immune Suppressive Syndrome Clinic, they were briefed by Winnie Muyindike on the realities of managing HIV care in the region.
The visit followed discussions at the National HIV Symposium, where health experts highlighted troubling statistics: Mbarara currently has an HIV prevalence rate of 9.6 percent, nearly double Uganda’s national average of 4.9 percent.
Officials say certain neighborhoods—including Kijungu, Kiyanja, Ruti and Katete—have emerged as HIV hotspots due to the high concentration of bars and nightlife venues.
Another troubling trend is the presence of underage girls in the city’s commercial sex trade. Authorities report that some girls—reportedly as young as 14—are traveling from neighboring countries including Rwanda, Burundi and the Democratic Republic of the Congo to work in nightlife areas.
Health experts say combating myths and misinformation is now critical to slowing new infections.
Twinabaitu urged residents, especially men who frequent bars, to rely on accurate health information rather than dangerous assumptions.
“People need to understand that HIV does not work the way these myths suggest,” she said. “Protection, testing and correct information are the best ways to stay safe.”
Officials are now calling for intensified community awareness campaigns and stronger prevention efforts as part of Uganda’s broader goal to end AIDS by 2030.
