Men seeking to be circumcised have overwhelmed the free Medical Circumcision clinic in Gulu. The clinic that opened yesterday at Gulu hospital has attracted several males ranging from few months old babies to adult males over forty years old.

Ismail Aziz, one of the men who turned up to be circumcised says that he has been waiting for the opportunity over a long period of time.

He says most times his dreams to get circumcised were hindered by the medical fees charged at health facilities. Aziz explains that he has been attracted to the service because he heard it provides numerous health benefits.

Medical reports say that circumcision offered men with 60 percent protection against infection of HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. Medical experts also say that circumcision also promotes hygiene and reduces the risk of cervical cancer in their females.

Paul Sserubiri, the coordinator of Male Circumcision project says they are implementing a government program to include male circumcision among the comprehensive measures to combat HIV/Aids transmission. The project is under the Catholic Medical Mission Board who are financing the free circumcision.

However, Dr Nathan Onucho, the medial Surgeon at Gulu hospital who is performing the circumcision has warned the newly circumcised men against engaging in risky sexual behavior saying circumcision does not provide 100 % protection against sexually transmitted diseases.

Male circumcision has been endorsed by the government of Uganda as another strategy in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

By Willy Chwoo