President Museveni commended for his strong fight against HIV/AIDS as new UAC Board members take oath

The Secretary- Office of the President, Hajji Yunus Kakande has hailed President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for his strong political leadership in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

“I want to thank H.E the President of the Republic of Uganda for taking on the initiative of combating this epidemic which came to Uganda around 1979. When I finished University in 1982, I was posted in Masaka. Here people died in large numbers, they used to call the disease witchcraft. It was only in 1986 when President Museveni came to power that we opened up. It was him who said this is an epidemic and we must find a way of combating it,” Hajji Kakande said.

The Secretary- Office of the President made the remarks today 12th July, 2024 during the swearing-in ceremony of the five (5) new members of the 10th board of Uganda AIDS Commission (UAC) at Imperial Royale Hotel, Kampala. He represented the Minister for Presidency, Hon. Babirye Milly Babalanda.

The new members include; Dr. Stephen Watiti, Ms. Kyazike Deborah Kinobe, Sr. Mary Grace Akiror, Ms. Namara Judith Ninsiima and Dr. Ahmed Ddungu.

The board comprises eight (8) members, with Dr. Ruth Senyonyi as the Chairperson, Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng as Vice Chairperson and Dr. Nelson Musoba as Board Secretary and Director General.

Hajji Kakande also noted that in order to further deal with the epidemic, President Museveni on 6th June 2017, launched the Presidential Fast- Track Initiative to end AIDS as a public health threat in Uganda by 2030.

“After 32 years at the helm of coordinating the HIV response, Uganda AIDS Commission is convinced that ending AIDS as a public health threat is possible, going by the current achievements,” he said.

On behalf of the Minister for Presidency, Hajji Kakande also congratulated the new Board members but cautioned that they are beginning their tour of duty at a critical time; 5 years towards ending AIDSs by 2030; which demands sustained efforts in order to achieve the set target.

“While taking official oath and oath of secrecy, you have made individual pledges to perform duties, generally with the promise of doing so truthfully. These actions will influence your effectiveness and will go a long way to hasten ending AIDS by 2030,” he said.

Hajji Kakande further thanked members of the 9th Board led by Dr. Eddie Mukooyo for their contribution towards the commission.

“You steered the commission well and the results are evident. I wish you well and request you to continue supporting the noble cause of ending AIDS by 2030,” he said.

“I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Ms. Enid Wamani who has been the Director of Partnership for the last 12 years and I wish her well in her future endeavours.”

Dr Ruth Senyonyi, the Board Chairperson thanked President Museveni for giving them an opportunity to serve and as the supreme decision-making organ of UAC, she pledged that they will not let the President and Minister of Presidency down.

“We will ensure that H.E the President’s dream of having an AIDS-free Uganda by 2030 is achieved,” she said.

She also commended the former UAC Board for the job well done during their reign of six years.

Dr. Vincent Bagambe who represented Dr. Nelson Musoba, the UAC Director General expressed gratitude to the President for appointing distinguished people to the new board.

“Thank you Hon. Minister for relentlessly following up to ensure that the board is fully constituted.”

Dr. Bagambe noted that he believes that the new board members will positively contribute to President Museveni’s commitment to the people of Uganda through the Presidential Fast-Track Initiative for Ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.

He also highlighted the progress Uganda has made so far in the fight against HIV/AIDS in the country.

Dr. Bagambe revealed that approximately 1.49 million people are living with HIV with 900,000 women, 72,000 children and over 1.2 million people are receiving antiretroviral treatment.

“About 92 percent of all the PLHIV have tested and know their HIV status of whom 90 percent are on treatment and 95 percent are virally suppressed,” he said.

“The country has seen the HIV prevalence decline from 18 percent recorded in the early 1990s to 5.1 percent as of December 2023. HIV infections and AIDS- related deaths too have declined by 61 percent and 57 percent respectively since 2010.”

On the other hand, Dr. Eddie Mukooyo on behalf of the 9th UAC Board appreciated the President and the Minister for Presidency for the opportunity they gave them to serve.

He attributed their success to dedication, availability and commitment.

“I think that is why we were able to successfully execute all our tasks despite some challenges,” he asserted.