Residents of Huye District, particularly young people, have expressed serious concerns over the sharp increase in condom prices during nighttime hours. Some vendors reportedly sell condoms for between RWF 1,500 and RWF 2,000, a situation residents say could undermine efforts to prevent HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Many people who frequent Huye Town say that although they understand the importance of using condoms to protect themselves, they face the challenge of being overcharged by vendors who take advantage of late hours to raise prices arbitrarily.
Nsengiyumva Jean Bosco, a resident of the town, said he recently experienced the problem of trying to buy a condom late at night and being charged an excessive price something he believes could push some people into having unprotected sex due to lack of financial means.
“I had planned to meet my partner, but she arrived late and it was already night. Since we had missed each other and wanted to protect ourselves, I went into town to buy a condom. I was told it cost 2,000 RWF, while elsewhere they asked for 1,500 RWF. Because I had no other option, I paid,” he said.
He is not alone. Many of his peers say it has become common knowledge that buying condoms in Huye Town at night means paying much more compared to the normal daytime price.
Responding to these concerns, Dr. Nzeyimana Zephanie, Director in charge of Planning for Key and Vulnerable Populations at the Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC), explained that the price increase may be linked to vendors’ working hours at night.
“A person may be charged more depending on the time they are buying, because some vendors operate around the clock and therefore add extra charges during nighttime hours. Anyone who knows they will need a condom should plan ahead and buy it earlier,” he explained.
Dr. Nzeyimana also emphasized that the issue is not a shortage of condoms. According to RBC data, over 30 million condoms of different types are supplied to Rwanda every year as part of efforts to prevent and combat new HIV infections.
He reminded the public that free condoms are available at designated locations, including Tumba Health Center (Mukoni) and various youth centers.
