The Bamasaaba clan chairmen and ministers in the cultural institution have reminded the Bamasaaba community that being circumcised is not a sufficient safeguard against acquiring HIV/AIDS.
The spokesperson of the cultural institution, Hon. Steven Masiga, told this publication that the clan chairmen and ministers issued a summary of key actions that must be taken if HIV/AIDS is to be wiped out from the Bamasaaba community.
The leadership of the cultural institution appreciated the efforts of the Uganda AIDS Commission (UAC) for supporting the fight against HIV/AIDS and for providing funding that enabled the Umukuka to organize the workshop. The one-day workshop was held at Courts Hotel in Mbale City, and, in a typical Oliver Twist style, the participants made several resolutions.
They resolved to roll out HIV/AIDS awareness campaigns deeper into clan clusters across the Bugisu region. They also requested the Uganda AIDS Commission to provide additional financial support through the Office of the Umukuka to ensure widespread HIV testing and continuous information dissemination within the clans.
The clan chairmen noted that, with the circumcision season approaching and schools breaking for holidays, this is the right time to cascade the training further into grassroots communities.
The Uganda AIDS Commission provided 10 million shillings, which covered feeding for participants, transport refunds for over seventy attendees, training materials, and other information dissemination activities.
The workshop was facilitated by trainers from the Uganda AIDS Commission led by Dr. Stephen Watiti, who represented the board chairman, and Dr. Peter Wakooba, who was part of the technical team sent by the Executive Secretary of the AIDS Commission. Other facilitators included the HIV focal person Wandwasi Robert and Dr. Waburoko, medical assistant to His Highness the Umukuka.
The Minister for Health in the cultural institution, Dr. Robinah Namome, outlined the workshop objectives and encouraged participants to test for HIV.
Hon. Steven Masiga, the spokesperson of the Bugisu Cultural Institution, delivered the keynote address on behalf of the cultural institution. He emphasized that the Bamasaaba have lost many brilliant minds to HIV and warned against the misconception that circumcision alone protects against the disease.
Masiga added that even among the workshop attendees, there are people living with HIV, and he encouraged them to be courageous—just like Dr. Watiti—by educating others. “If we keep quiet about the virus, we will not be helping Bugisu,” Masiga said.
He then outlined common symptoms of HIV/AIDS, including memory loss, weight loss, persistent fatigue, night sweats, mouth sores, and skin rashes.
His Highness the Umukuka III Jude Mike Mudoma issued an edict directing all clan chairmen to ensure that everyone undergoing circumcision is first tested for HIV, noting that the sharing of blades during traditional circumcision increases the spread of the virus. He further requested the Uganda AIDS Commission to support this initiative.
The Umukuka III and the clan chairmen expressed appreciation to the Executive Director of the AIDS Commission, Dr. Musoba, and the entire UAC management for their support. They also asked for additional assistance, saying that many people in villages are still being affected by HIV due to lack of information.
The AIDS Commission also donated condoms to the cultural institution.
Members of the secretariat included Dr. Namome (Minister of Health), Hon. Steven Masiga (Spokesperson), Hon. Sarah Manana, Hon. Irene Manghali, Hon. Moses Kutoi, and Dr. Waburoko.
