In recent decades, the global fight against HIV/AIDS has emphasized the crucial role of counselling and testing
services in prevention, treatment, and support efforts. Within tertiary institutions, where a diverse population of
young adults resides, understanding the factors influencing HIV/AIDS counselling and testing uptake is
paramount. This study examined the factors associated with HIV/AIDS counselling and testing among students
in tertiary institutions in Kanungu District, Uganda. A cross-sectional descriptive survey design was used to
collect data from three tertiary institutions in Kanungu District. The researcher selected a sample of 100 students
and 10 counselors using simple random sampling. Data was collected using questionnaires and interviews and was
analyzed based on the themes of the study. The findings revealed that while the majority of the student
respondents (100%) had heard about HIV/AIDS counselling and testing, only a small proportion (20%) had
actually been tested. The study found that students had access to HIV/AIDS counselling and testing services, but
they were not utilizing them. The main factors hindering students' uptake of HIV/AIDS counselling and testing
were found to be stigma associated with positive results (100%) and fear of positive HIV status (88%). The study
also found that students in tertiary institutions had generally negative attitudes toward HIV/AIDS counselling
and testing. The study concluded that students in tertiary institutions in Kanungu District do not actively seek
HIV/AIDS counselling and testing services, and as a result, the majority do not know their HIV status. Stigma
associated with HIV/AIDS was identified as the primary factor limiting students' willingness to undergo
counselling and testing. The study recommends that tertiary institutions, in collaboration with local health
authorities, implement targeted interventions to destigmatize HIV/AIDS and promote the uptake of counselling
and testing services among students.
Keywords: HIV/AIDS, Counselling and testing, Tertiary institutions, Socio-economic factors, Demographic
factors