Abstract

The study aimed to identify factors preventing the uptake of medical circumcision among
male medical students at Kampala International University-Teaching Hospital Bushenyi
District. The population included all male medical students at the hospital, with a sample
size of 380 respondents interviewed. The results showed that only 36% of the respondents
had been circumcised, and the majority (64%) were not. Despite campaigns by the Uganda
Ministry of Health to achieve 80% circumcision among males aged 15-49, the uptake of
medical male circumcision in KIU-TH is low. Factors hindering the uptake include awareness
about safe circumcision, attitude towards the procedure, pain during the procedure, and the
belief that circumcision reduces sexual pleasure. The study recommends local district
authorities, including LCV Chairmen, DHO, and DEO, collaborate with village Health teams to
increase awareness through educational programs, which in the long run will enhance
attitudes and the uptake of medical male circumcision.