Lira City and Oyam district hit hard by HIV:Experts sound alarm

29 December 2025, 17:53

By Winnie Auma

Lira City has been ranked highest in HIV prevelence in the Lango sub-region according to a 2024 report released by the Uganda Aids Commission.

The report indicates Lira City is leading with 61,300 infections, followed by Oyam district with 15,700 and Kole coming third with 11, 400 cases. Otuke district had the least number of infected people with 3,800 cases.

Tom Etii, the director partnership for Uganda Aids Commission attributed the rampant cases in Lira City and Oyam to lifestyles in the many social places and night business points that gather different people.

According to Etii, Lira City is ranked at number 11 in the whole country, something he says is very risky for people in Lango because most people go to Lira City for businesses.

In Oyam district, Etii pointed out Minakulu, Kamdini and Loro Town Councils as the most risky areas, meanwhile Amac market is the most risky in Lira district and Anekapiri market was cited in Kole district.

He therefore called upon all stakeholders to unite and work towards sensitizing people to prevent HIV spread especially among ignorant teenagers.

The District Health Officer Lira, Buchan Ocen noted that despite the high HIV prevalence in Lira City, they are working tooth and nail to ensure the infected get proper medication and preventing mother to child transmission for a better future.

He said the most risky areas in Lira City is Juba road and Kitgim stage because most commercial sex workers camp there for business.