Clergyman Who has Lived with HIV for 33 Years Urges UPDF to Fight Stigma

Rev Canon Prof Gideon Byamugisha, the first religious leader to publicly disclose his HIV status, shared his inspiring story of resilience and faith with the staff of the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs (MODVA) and the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF). Speaking at the Joint Services Headquarters in Mbuya ahead of World AIDS Day, Rev. Byamugisha recounted living with HIV for 33 years despite being told he had only six months to live when diagnosed at age 32.

“I was given six months to live when I was diagnosed at 32, but here I am, still standing while many who criticised me are no longer here,” he said. He credited his survival to God’s grace and the unwavering support of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

The event, themed “Accelerating Interventions to End AIDS by 2030,” focused on fostering compassion and eradicating stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS. It included HIV testing, screenings for non-communicable diseases, and blood donations.

World AIDS Day, observed annually on December 1 since 1988, is an international day dedicated to raising awareness about the AIDS pandemic caused by HIV infection and remembering those who have lost their lives to the disease.

Mr Mike Wambi Mabonga, Commissioner for Resettlement, Psycho-Social Support, and Rehabilitation, urged participants to prioritize their health, emphasizing, “HIV cannot be diagnosed just by looking.” He encouraged staff to take advantage of testing services, particularly during the holiday season.

Colonel Deo Akiiki, Deputy Director of Defence Public Information, called for renewed efforts to end HIV/AIDS transmission by 2030. “Openness and testing are critical in this fight,” he said, noting significant progress in reducing stigma and ensuring soldiers seek treatment without fear.

Lt Col Evelyn Asiimwe, Director of HIV/AIDS Programs in the UPDF, praised the health initiatives targeting soldiers and staff, including the provision of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP), antiretroviral drugs (ARVs), and condoms. She highlighted the importance of continuous education and awareness to sustain these gains.

The event was attended by UPDF officers, MODVA staff, and Assistant Commissioner for Human Resources, Ms Harriet Kyomugisha. The gathering reinforced the commitment to eliminating stigma and achieving a future free of HIV/AIDS.

This year’s observance highlighted the importance of ending stigma and increasing access to life-saving services in the effort to eliminate AIDS by 2030.