Uganda has officially launched the Uganda AIDS Marathon 2026, a national movement aimed at accelerating efforts to end HIV/AIDS as a public health threat by 2030. The annual event will now be held every Sunday before World AIDS Day and will take place across 10 cities nationwide, bringing together government institutions, civil society, the private sector and communities.
Speaking at the launch, Dr. Nelson Musoba, Director General of the Uganda AIDS Commission, said the marathon represents endurance and commitment in the fight against HIV.
“A lot has been done, but most of the remaining work is at community level,” he noted, emphasizing the need for innovation, inclusive platforms and stronger partnerships. He said the marathon will focus on three pillars: increasing national visibility for HIV prevention, strengthening partnerships, and mobilising resources to support community-based interventions.
Uganda’s progress over the past three decades was highlighted during the launch. HIV prevalence has dropped from about 10% in the early 1990s to 4.9% in 2026. AIDS-related deaths, once above 60,000 annually in the 1990s, are now fewer than 20,000. New infections have also declined significantly — from over 100,000 per year to about 36,000 today.
Dr. Yunus Miya of The AIDS Support Organization (TASO) said the gains are the result of deliberate government action, expanded testing, treatment access and strong coordination from village to national level. He stressed that science is clear: individuals who adhere to treatment and achieve viral suppression cannot transmit HIV. However, he warned that new infections remain a concern, particularly among young people aged 15–29, with adolescent girls and young women accounting for a large proportion of new cases.
The launch also drew commitment from key institutions. At the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), HIV testing is mandatory for staff to ensure early access to care and treatment. Gertrude Kira said UWA extends health services to surrounding communities and will host the first torch lighting of the marathon alongside its Wildlife Marathon in March.
Meanwhile, the Uganda Prisons Service reaffirmed its commitment despite operating at 350% congestion across 270 facilities. Medical Officer Dr. James Kisambu revealed that HIV prevalence among prison staff has dropped significantly over the past decade following strengthened testing and treatment programs. He added that prisons now serve as critical entry points for health services, with many inmates accessing HIV testing for the first time while in custody.
Organisers say detailed activation plans for the 10 host cities will be announced in the coming weeks. The Uganda AIDS Marathon is expected to mobilise thousands of citizens, amplify prevention messages and sustain momentum toward the 2030 national goal.
