Uganda Commemorates World Aids Day 2024

Buyende District hosted the national commemoration of World AIDS Day 2024 at Bukungu Primary School under the theme “Ending AIDS by 2030, Keeping Communities at the Center.” The event brought together dignitaries from various spheres, including political, religious, and civil society leaders.

In his address as the chief guest, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni urged Ugandans to live disciplined and guided lives to prevent the contraction of HIV/AIDS. He cautioned against complacency due to the availability of antiretroviral drugs, emphasizing the importance of abstinence and safe practices to reduce new infections.

The president also highlighted the need to strengthen healthcare services in rural areas, responding to concerns raised by the LC V chairperson about high HIV/AIDS prevalence rates in landing sites within the district. He called on the Ministry of Health to prioritize the establishment of Health Center IIIs in every sub-county to address the community’s health needs more effectively.

“We must not use the availability of HIV/AIDS drugs as an excuse to live recklessly. Discipline is key to safeguarding our health,” Museveni emphasized.

Vice President Maj. (Rtd) Jesca Alupo reiterated the government’s commitment to the 2030 goal of ending AIDS. She called on citizens to cooperate with initiatives designed to combat the epidemic, stressing the need for collective effort in achieving the target.

The Inter-Religious Council of Uganda also joined the call for action, advocating abstinence, parental guidance, and open conversations between parents and children as strategies to curb new infections among young people.

While addressing environmental concerns, President Museveni discouraged deforestation on the hills of Buyende, noting that it hinders vegetation growth and contributes to climate change. He encouraged tree planting as a sustainable practice for environmental conservation.

Uganda’s progress in fighting HIV/AIDS continues to gain global recognition, with the country being cited as a model for other nations. However, President Museveni acknowledged that more needs to be done to achieve the 2030 target of ending AIDS.

As of 2024, Uganda has over 1.4 million people living with HIV/AIDS, underscoring the urgency of sustained efforts and community-centered strategies to address the epidemic.