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Gulu city records over 22,000 HIV/AIDS cases in three months

22 June 2026, 12:20 pm

Team of Journalist attending a health reporting training organized by the health Journalism Network Uganda on 19 June 2026.

By. Walter Kidega

Gulu City continues to register a high HIV prevalence rate of 9 percent, exceeding the national average of 7 percent, according to the Coalition for Health Promotion and Social Development (HEPS-Uganda).

Speaking during a health reporting training organized by the Health Journalism Network Uganda at the Gulu District Council Hall on Friday, June 19, 2026, the Gulu City HIV Focal Person, Florence Amito, revealed that women remain disproportionately affected by HIV across most age groups.

Amito said data from January to March 2026 shows that among children aged 0 to 9 years, 220 are living with HIV, including 101 males and 119 females. Among adolescents aged 10 to 14 years, 279 cases were recorded, comprising 144 males and 135 females.

The highest number of infections was registered among adults aged 30 to 49 years, where 3,825 males and 7,725 females were living with HIV during the period under review.

She further noted that sex workers aged between 25 and 29 years remain one of the most affected groups, with 293 males and 1,241 females, bringing the total to 1,534 individuals. Overall, Gulu City recorded 22,439 people living with HIV between January and March 2026.

Amito Florence the Gulu city HIV/AIDS focal point person on the statistics
Ms. Florence Amito the HIV/AIDS focal point person for Gulu city in the training at Gulu district council hall on 19 June 2026

Amito identified several HIV hotspots within the city where health teams regularly provide outreach services. These include Buganda Pub, Cuk Oweka, Lacor Market, and areas along Acholi Road opposite Housing Finance Bank.

She added that health workers have recently conducted mpox (monkeypox) immunization campaigns and continue to provide HIV prevention, testing, treatment, and viral suppression services to improve the quality of life of people living with HIV.

Amito Florence the Gulu city HIV/AIDS focal point person on the hot spots in Gulu city.
Ms.Amito Florence HIV focal point person for Gulu city and Dr Stella Ayaa the in charge of Bardege Health Center III at the training on 19 June 2026.

Meanwhile, the In charge of Bardege Health Centre III, Dr. Stella Ayaa, has urged members of the public who engage in activities that expose them to HIV infection to use Oral Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP).

Dr. Stella Ayaa the in charge Bardege Health center III Bardege layibi city division on the use of PREP.
Dr. Stella Ayaa the in charge of Bardege Health center III speaking at training on health reporting for journalists at the Gulu district Council Hall on 19 June 2026.