Uganda AIDS Commission, ICU Unite to Combat Rising HIV Cases Among Youth
By Peterson Hiirya.
Soroti City – Uganda AIDS Commission (UAC) has formed a new alliance with the Iteso Cultural Union (ICU) aimed at intensifying efforts to combat HIV/AIDS in the Teso sub-region.
The collaboration supports Uganda’s broader goal of eliminating AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.
The partnership discussions took place at Zuri Luxe Hotel, where cultural leaders and development stakeholders convened to explore practical approaches to curb new HIV infections and enhance public awareness at the community level.
Speaking at the meeting, UAC Director of Partnerships Tom Etii highlighted the critical role cultural institutions play in the national HIV response.
He explained that UAC coordinates interventions nationwide through a multi-sectoral framework, noting that bodies such as the ICU have a unique advantage because of their strong grassroots presence and influence on community values.
Etii pointed out that the ICU’s organized structures, spanning villages, sub-counties, and districts, provide an effective channel for spreading prevention messages.
Through these networks, communities can be mobilized around key strategies including abstinence, faithfulness among couples, and consistent condom use.
He raised concern over the high rate of new infections among young people aged 15 to 24, urging them to avoid risky behavior and make use of available HIV testing and counseling services.
He also encouraged women, particularly expectant mothers, to attend antenatal clinics and adhere to prescribed treatment to eliminate the risk of mother-to-child transmission.
According to UAC data, Uganda has registered notable progress over the past decade. Annual new infections have dropped from about 97,000 to approximately 37,000, while HIV-related deaths have declined from over 100,000 to around 20,000 each year.
Etii attributed these gains to coordinated efforts involving Parliament, the ministries responsible for gender and education, local governments, media houses, and the private sector under UAC’s 14th Partnership Mechanism.
He further called for an end to stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV, emphasizing that consistent treatment suppresses the virus and prevents further transmission.
Andrew Ocole, Prime Minister (Ekirigi) of the Iteso Cultural Union, welcomed the collaboration, describing it as consistent with the institution’s mandate to promote moral values and community welfare.
He noted that although progress has been made, HIV remains a reality and complacency must be avoided.
Ocole pledged that the ICU would spearhead sensitization campaigns in schools, churches, mosques, and villages. He associated the increasing infections among youth with drug abuse and declining moral standards, urging renewed discipline and cultural guidance.
He also encouraged parents to take a more active role in discussing sexual health and responsible conduct with their children, including the importance of abstinence and avoiding risky behaviors such as sharing sharp objects.
Both leaders reiterated their commitment to achieving the global target of ending AIDS by 2030. Etii concluded by appealing to Ugandans to test regularly, adhere to treatment if positive, and remain vigilant.
“HIV is still present and claims lives, but through collective action, awareness, and responsibility, we can realize an AIDS-free generation,” he said.
