The Spokesperson of the Bugisu Cultural Institution, Hon. Steven Masiga, has told this publication that over 60 clan chairpersons, ministers of the cultural institution, and key cultural influencers will be equipped with essential skills to combat reckless lifestyles that have contributed to the rising HIV prevalence in the Bugisu region and beyond.
The training, funded by the Uganda AIDS Commission, will take place this Saturday in Mbale City at the Courts View Hotel.
Hon. Masiga said the cultural ministers and clan chairpersons will be retooled with proper knowledge on how to become agents of change within their communities in order to combat HIV. Research findings, he noted, indicate that HIV prevalence remains among the highest in the Bugisu region.
“We appreciate the Executive Director of the Uganda AIDS Commission and his team for their support,” Masiga said.
He added that as part of their strategic mission, the cultural institution plans to roll out the program further down to the grassroots, with continued support from the Uganda AIDS Commission, ensuring that the message reaches even the lowest levels of community structures.
Masiga revealed that all clan chairpersons have been officially notified about the training, as well as ministers of the cultural institution and selected media teams attached to the institution.
He further noted that the Secretariat, headed by the Minister for Health within the institution, has assembled a team of highly respected facilitators, led by District Health Officers and HIV focal persons.
“We shall ensure that the HIV message delivered to the clan chairpersons and Bukuka ministers is well crafted and impactful,” Masiga emphasized.
