UPDF committed to ending HIV/AIDS by 2030

Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) and Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs (MODVA) personnel have been called upon to promote empathy and fight stigma against HIV/AIDS patients.

Rev. Canon Prof. Gideon Byamugisha made the call at the Joint Services Headquarters in Mbuya, ahead of World AIDS Day on December 1.

The theme for World AIDS Day is “Accelerating Interventions to End AIDS by 2030.”

Rev. Byamugisha, the first religious leader to publicly disclose his HIV status after living with the virus for 33 years, shared his moving story:

I was given six months to live when I was diagnosed at 32, but here I am, still standing, while many of those who criticized me are no longer alive.

He thanked God and President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for their ongoing support in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

Mike Wambi Mabonga, Commissioner for Resettlement, Psycho-Social Support, and Rehabilitation, spoke on behalf of the Under Secretary for Finance and Administration, emphasizing the importance of good health.

“HIV cannot be diagnosed simply by looking,” he said, urging everyone to take advantage of testing services, particularly during the holiday season.

Colonel Deo Akiiki, Deputy Director of Defence Public Information, called on the UPDF HIV/AIDS team to renew its commitment to eliminating new infections and transmissions by 2030.

“Openness and testing are critical in this fight,” he said, pointing out the progress made since 2002, when stigma and high HIV prevalence were common among soldiers.

Col Akiiki observed that, thanks to sustained efforts, soldiers can now seek treatment without fear of being judged.

Lt Col Evelyn Asiimwe, Director of HIV/AIDS Programs in the UPDF, praised initiatives aimed at improving soldier health and productivity, such as the establishment of healthcare centers and the provision of critical preventive measures such as PrEP, PEP, ARVs, and condoms.

She praised soldiers and defence personnel for prioritising their health and safety, emphasizing the importance of ongoing education and awareness.

HIV/AIDS testing, noncommunicable disease screenings, and blood donations were among the activities planned for the day.

Harriet Kyomugisha, Assistant Commissioner for Human Resources, participated in the event, as did UPDF officers and staff.

Uganda has 1.4 million people living with HIV, with a prevalence of 5.1% among adults.

In 2022, there were 52,000 new infections, with 17,000 HIV/AIDS-related deaths.

According to the Uganda AIDS Commission, 1.2 million people in Uganda are receiving antiretroviral treatment.