By Eumu Emmanuel
Wealthy individuals and adults above the age of 50 are currently the leading spreaders of HIV/AIDS in Uganda, according to Prof. Tarsis Kabwegyere. This revelation was made during the release of a report on two recent health outreaches organized by the Ankole Health Students Association Mulago (AHESAM). The health camps were held at Ngabisirira Health Centre II from June 5-7, 2024, and Karwensanaga Health Centre II from August 24-25, 2024, both located in Rubindi Sub-county, Mbarara District. Fred Mwesigye, a native of Rubindi, coordinated the outreaches.
Prof. Kabwegyere, who was the chief guest at the report’s release held at Mulago Hospital Guesthouse on September 28, 2024, indicated that he has prepared an extensive report on the state of HIV/AIDS in Uganda, which he plans to present to the President. His report is based on findings from various government institutions.
During the event, Kabwegyere responded to a presentation by Grace Namara, the Assistant Resident District Commissioner of Mbarara. Namara challenged recent data released by the Uganda AIDS Commission (UAC), which suggested that Mbarara District had the highest HIV infection rate in the country. According to UAC’s figures, the district’s infection rate was initially reported at 14%. Namara argued that this figure was inaccurate because it combined data from Mbarara City, Mbarara District, and Rwampara District. After lodging a complaint, UAC revised the figure to 7%, though Namara still disputes the accuracy of the data.
“We still dispute this figure of 7% – it does not align with our findings. We are unsure where their data comes from,” Namara said. In response, Kabwegyere assured the audience that the government would address these concerns, adding that Namara might not have access to all the relevant information.
The report from the two health outreaches highlighted the impressive organization and resource mobilization involved in the activities. Reagan Tweheyo, President of AHESAM, commended the contributions of alumni, well-wishers, and sponsors who made the initiatives possible. He also expressed the group’s willingness to conduct medical outreach programs across the country, provided they receive adequate support.
Beyond medical treatment, the outreaches also provided basic health education, including sessions on reusable pads and vaginal hygiene at Akarungu Primary School and St. Bonny High School in Kyenshama. Additionally, there were lessons on nutrition, food preparation, and storage, as well as how to maintain a balanced diet.
The services offered during the camps reached approximately 2,000 people and included dental care, cancer screening, safe male circumcision, family planning, nutritional services, and laboratory tests. Rose Nassali, Principal of the Uganda Institute of Allied Health and Management Sciences (UIAHMS), noted that despite donations of drugs and services, the two outreaches cost at least UGX 22 million to execute.