The Uganda AIDS Commission (UAC) held a virtual meeting with leaders of cultural institutions from across the country to discuss the current HIV statistics and to reaffirm its commitment to working with these institutions to eliminate HIV/AIDS by 2030.
Hon. Steven Masiga, the spokesperson for the Bugisu Cultural Institution, represented the Prime Minister of the institution during the meeting. He was joined by Dr. Robinnah, the Minister of Health for the Bugisu Cultural Institution.
Hope Murungi, a rapporteur and one of the speakers from the Uganda AIDS Commission, pledged the Commission’s commitment to working closely with cultural institutions in the national fight against HIV/AIDS.
The Director of Partnerships at the Uganda AIDS Commission represented the Director General, Dr. Nelson Musoba, during the meeting. Addressing the over 15 cultural institutions and several international partners in attendance, he emphasized the importance of collective action and pledged to ensure that HIV is eliminated in Uganda by 2030. He remarked that, by then, “People should die of other causes—not AIDS-related complications.”
He also reported that the Buganda and Ankole regions currently have the highest HIV prevalence rates, followed by the Acholi region.
Following the virtual meeting, Hon. Steven Masiga addressed over 10,000 students at Nkoma Secondary School. In an interview with The Ankole Times, he stated that he had urged all students in Nkoma S.S. and other schools in the Bugisu region to get tested for HIV in order to know their status.
He further advised students, particularly young girls, to avoid early relationships and focus on completing their education.
Hon. Masiga also pledged to work closely with clan chairpersons across the Bugisu region to promote HIV awareness and prevention within communities.
