The Ugandan Ministry of Education has initiated a program enlisting 140 students from Makerere University to champion the fight against HIV/AIDS in a proactive move against the rising HIV infection rates among young people. The decision comes in response to alarming statistics from the Uganda Aids Commission (UAC), which revealed over 50,000 new HIV infections in the last two years, primarily affecting individuals aged 15 to 24.
Makerere University, chosen as the pioneer institution for this initiative, witnessed the commissioning of these students by the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Ms. Janet Museveni, under the Emerging Leaders Programme (ELP). The ELP aims to enhance the quality of leaders emerging from the country.
Minister Janet Museveni, represented by Agriculture Minister Mr. Frank Tumwebaze, disclosed that the graduates underwent a comprehensive week-long training program. She emphasized the importance of high skills training, particularly among the youth, to instill a culture of value-based leadership in the face of increasing HIV/AIDS prevalence.
The First Lady affirmed that similar training would extend to other universities and higher learning institutions. She urged the graduates to share the knowledge acquired, emphasizing the role they play in reducing the risks of HIV/AIDS transmission.
Makerere University’s Dean of Students, Mr. Peter Muhereza, expressed pride in the university being selected as the pioneering institution for this crucial program. Ms. Mariat Namyalo, one of the 140 students who completed the training, highlighted the relevance of the program, given the sexually active nature of the student population. She emphasized that the training equipped them with knowledge on HIV/AIDS prevention, transmission control, and eradication strategies.
The government’s move signifies a strategic effort to address the HIV/AIDS epidemic at its roots by empowering young leaders with knowledge and skills to effect positive change within their communities.
