The Judiciary, in collaboration with the Uganda AIDS Commission and the Ministry of Health, organized a health awareness camp on November 22, 2023, at Lira court premises. The Resident Judge (Chief Magistrate), His Worship Loum Samson Abiti, in an exclusive interview from his office in Lira, committed himself to ensuring that he spends time with other court staff discussing the importance of avoiding HIV/AIDS.
“As the Chief Magistrate of Lira, it is now our task to combat the spread of HIV in the workplace,” said His Worship Loum Abiti Samson. He promised to sensitize court users and staff, drawing lessons from the health camp organized on Thursday, emphasizing advising staff to abstain from sex, be faithful to their partners, and use condoms, among other measures, to eradicate HIV.
Nsenga Festo, Deputy Registrar of the Criminal Division of the High Court, who represented the chairperson of the Committee on HIV/AIDS-Judiciary (Maureen Kasande, Under-Secretary Judiciary), stated that the judiciary would sensitize its staff through media talk shows, including radio and TV talk shows, among other platforms.
“We provide medical financial support to staff affected by HIV/AIDS to access ART and other necessary assistance,” noted Festo. He mentioned the distribution of banners and stickers to be displayed around court premises for users to access and encouraged court staff to seek proper treatment in line with the goal of eradicating HIV/AIDS by 2030.
Madam Susan Akello, Principal Human Resource Officer and a member of the Judiciary HIV/AIDS Committee, was also present, along with other top judicial officers, at the health camp in Lira Court. Festo Nsenga appreciated their attendance in good numbers, mentioning that the camp provided TB screening, cancer screening, and HIV/AIDS counseling and testing, among other services.
Lira Resident City Commissioner (RCC) Egole Lawrence Emmy thanked His Worship Abiti Loum Samson for handling cases correctly in the Lira Court of Judicature, noting very few complaints of mishandling of cases.
“As judicial officers, this calls for you to be cautious about the issue of HIV/AIDS,” added Egole Lawrence. He highlighted the commendable work of the Judiciary in leading the fight against HIV/AIDS and emphasized the responsibility of court staff to champion this cause.
Dr. Eti Tom, the National Coordinator of Uganda AIDS Commission, narrated that as per the Presidential Directives of ending AIDS by 2030, combating the disease is a key objective, including achieving zero infections and ending stigma and discrimination.
On behalf of the Director-General of Uganda AIDS Commission, Tom thanked the staff of Lira Court Circuit and the local leadership for embracing the health camp held in Lira court premises. He provided statistics, stating, “We have 1.4 million people living with HIV/AIDS, out of which 840,000 women are living with HIV/AIDS.” He noted that the second district leading in Lango with the highest number of HIV/AIDS infections is Oyam district after Lira City.
West Nile is set to be awarded for being the best performers, with almost five districts where children are born without HIV/AIDS, credited to the Judiciary’s lead in massive sensitization efforts.
The main causes of HIV/AIDS in Uganda, including GBV, prostitution, and lack of condom use, were highlighted. Hillary Okello, the HIV/AIDS focal person in Lira City, confirmed that about 29,600 people are living with HIV/AIDS in Lango sub-region compared to the national rate of 52,000 people. He attributed the high rate in Lango sub-region to economic factors and bad behavioral practices.
“Let us try to do bi-annual health auditing, let us not fear government facilities; they are there for us,” narrated Dr. Elisabeth Kasirye, a public health specialist, while addressing the health camp. She demonstrated how to use both female and male condoms and handed several condoms, stickers, and posters to His Worship Loum Abiti Samson, Chief Magistrate of Lira High Court, to be displayed in accessible places within the court premises by court staff and users.
