Uganda updates HIV progress as UPDF launches Tarehe Sita celebrations

19 November 2025, 8:27 am

By Ronald Ssemagonja

Uganda is preparing to commemorate World AIDS Day on 1 December in Mbarara, with the Uganda Aids Commission outlining both progress and ongoing challenges in the fight against HIV. During a media briefing at the Uganda Media Centre in Kampala, Director General Dr Nelson Musoba revealed that an estimated 1.5 million Ugandans were living with HIV in 2024, including 930,000 women and 570,000 men. He noted that 20,000 people died of HIV-related illnesses, 37,000 were newly infected, and 1.3 million accessed antiretroviral therapy.

Dr Musoba attributed the increase in the total number of people living with HIV to the government’s test and treat policy, which has expanded treatment coverage and reduced AIDS-related deaths. Uganda Aids Commission chairperson Canon Ruth Senyonjo urged couples to test together, saying failure to do so remains a driver of new infections. She reaffirmed the country’s commitment to achieving the 2030 target of zero AIDS-related deaths, eliminating mother-to-child transmission, and ensuring all patients stay on treatment.

UNAIDS Country Director Jacqueline Makokha commended Uganda for performing better than many African countries in the HIV response. She said that if communities continue following health guidelines, the country can meet the 2030 global goal of ending HIV transmission and AIDS-related deaths. She also pledged continued support from UNAIDS.

Representing people living with HIV, Semambo Gerald expressed concern about persistent stigma in parts of the country. He encouraged young people to embrace prevention methods such as condom use and abstinence. Canon Senyonjo emphasized the need for sustained sensitization to ensure people living with HIV are treated fairly, including in employment.

Meanwhile, the Uganda People’s Defence Forces launched the 45th Tarehe Sita celebrations at their headquarters in Mbuya. Former Prime Minister Amama Mbabazi officiated and recounted the history behind shifting the date of Tarehe Sita from 5 to 6 February, marking the day of the attack on Kabamba Barracks. He shared personal memories of the liberation struggle, including visits from President Yoweri Museveni during challenging times.

This year’s celebrations will take place in the Kigezi subregion, specifically in Kabale. The State Minister for Veteran Affairs, Hon. Huda Abason Oleru, praised the UPDF for securing Uganda and steering it toward socio-economic and political transformation. Deputy Chief of Defence Forces Lt Gen Sam Okiding referenced scripture to highlight the theme on protecting national gains, saying the UPDF has a responsibility to guide the nation in understanding these achievements.

Guest speaker Prof. Ezra Suruma noted that despite hosting the celebrations, many people in Kigezi still live in subhuman conditions. He pointed to issues such as food insecurity and poor sanitation, calling on government to improve living standards not only in Kigezi but nationwide to ensure that no citizen remains in such conditions.