This study aimed to evaluate a one-year, comprehensive, school-based HIV and AIDS education program in rural, southwestern Uganda. Twenty intervention schools (1274 students) and 11 control schools (803 students) completed baseline and follow-up questionnaires. Twelve focus groups were conducted among five of the intervention schools (93 students). Very few effects of the intervention were observed. Focus group data indicates that programmes were not implemented comprehensively and certain activities (how to use condoms, role playing) were only superficially used. Shortage of classroom time, áteachers' fears of unfamiliar topics and controversy contributed to this outcome. The study concludes that HIV and AIDS education programs should be integrated within national curricula and regarded as part of life-skills education. Teachers should also receive adequate training before undertaking such programs.