Recognizing the importance of social relationships to adolescent behavior, social network analysis is an analytical technique that is used with increasing frequency to characterize young people's personal networks, communication interpersonal and group norms. A better understanding of these networks and environments can enable researchers and program planners to use the natural flow of communication within groups to more effectively plan and implement health promotion and social change interventions (Bond, 2003 ). Peer education programs are a common approach to try to influence social and behavioral change in adolescents (Campbell, 2005; Cartagena et al, 2005; Caron, Godin, Otis, & Lambert, 2004; Agha & Van Rossem, 2004; Kinsler, Sneed , Moriksy & Ang, 2004; Visser, 2007 ; Merakou & Kourea-Kremastinou, 2006). Peer education programs, which use individuals specifically selected from the target population to act as educators, role models, and leaders, are generally the preferred approach for health promotion interventions when working with adolescent populations. This is due to some key factors, namely that the approach can be developed and implemented in a way that is culturally appropriate, community-based and widely accepted by the target audience (Ross & Williams, 2002; Campbell, 2005). A further advantage is the perceived credibility of the peer educators in the eyes of the target group. These individuals are integrated within the target group and can identify with the community of interest. The use of social network analysis (SNA) to identify natural opinion leaders, perceived norms and behaviors, and characteristics of peer influences prior to the development of an intervention program is being increasingly reported. ...b-Saharan Africa is the focal point of the global HIV/AIDS epidemic. Uganda is an East African country that has demonstrated some success in addressing the epidemic and reducing the burden of HIV/AIDS on certain population demographics. However, one of the most promising interventions addressing the needs of adolescents, peer education, has not been widely used in Uganda (Mayega, personal communication, May 2008), although recent national policy officially supports this type of effort (Ministry of Uganda Education and Sports, 2006). The main aim of this study is to conduct a social network analysis of young people in upper secondary schools in Kabarole District, Western Uganda. The goal is to inform future efforts to implement peer education programs in rural Africa aimed at sexual health promotion and HIV prevention.