Every year Uganda continues to register progress in it’s fight against HIV & AIDS and by 2030 we should have no threatening HIV infections, says report as we getting celebrating the international Candlelight Memorial Day on the 19th May 2026 at the Kitante Hill Secondary School.
The Uganda AIDS Commission will be hosting this year’s candlelight memorial day with the Ministry of Health plus other development partners including UNAIDS.
During today’s breakfast meeting at the Serena Hotel Kigo, the UAC Director General, Dr Nelson Musoba called for action to end HIV/AIDS by 2030.
In his report he revealed that new HIV infections among all ages had declined to 37,000 with a 61% reduction in new infections.
The 2025 Uganda HIV & AIDS fact sheet indicates that 1,527,238 million people in Uganda are living with HIV/AIDS including 930,000 women & 570,000 men.
Uganda’s success story is not yet complete with over 700 new infections every week and 101 new infections every day, said report.
This year’s memorial candle light day honors the lives lost, supports those living with HIV, and focuses on the theme “Embracing the Role of Women” to highlight their leadership and resilience in the HIV response, aimed at ending AIDS by 2030.
The fight against HIV & AIDS is every one’s responsibility and as a leader ensure that 0.1% of the local budget is allocated to HIV & AIDS activities as directed by the Ministry Of Finance, said report.
Ensure inclusion of people living with HIV in economic empowerment and social protection programs.
Mobilize communities to address harmful social cultural & religious beliefs & practices including early child marriages, gender based violence, alcohol & drug abuse and other behaviors that expose people to HIV risks
This year’s memorial day calls for action and reminds us women as advocates & leaders in the HIV/AIDS response, said Jacqueln Malokha also UNAIDS country director.
Ruth Akullu also youth representative revealed her chilling confession & how she has survived with HIV/AIDS ever since her daddy passed on at the age of 5yrs.
As we remember those we have lost, we must also commit to building systems that support those who continue to hold families and communities together with strength, dignity, and choice, she added.
She also called for the urgent need to empower women with HIV prevention choices ensuring they have access to the full range of options and the information needed to make informed decisions about their health and future.
Women are not just part of the HIV response, they are its backbone and caregivers, providers, entrepreneurs, & community leaders.
They often remain least supported when it comes to accessing opportunities including prevention tools that work for them, said Ruth Akullu (By PEACOCK KAWEESA & Agencies)
