The Executive Director of the Uganda Heart Institute, Dr. John Omagino, has called for increased attention to non-communicable diseases (NCDs), warning that conditions such as hypertension and heart disease continue to affect many people silently despite Uganda’s progress in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Speaking during the Judiciary Quarterly Health Awareness Camp at Mubende High Court on Thursday, Dr. Omagino urged participants to adopt healthier lifestyles through regular exercise, adequate hydration, and balanced nutrition.
“As we celebrate progress in the fight against HIV/AIDS, we must also address the growing challenge of non-communicable diseases, which continue to affect many people silently,” he said. The health camp, held under the theme “Ending AIDS by 2030: Embracing the Role of Women,” brought together judicial officers and staff from the Mubende High Court Circuit, health specialists, justice sector stakeholders, members of the public, and representatives of the Judiciary HIV/AIDS Committee.
While HIV/AIDS remained the main focus of the event, speakers emphasized the need for a holistic approach to health and wellness, including the prevention of infectious diseases and the management of lifestyle-related illnesses. Hope Murungi, Principal Partnership Officer, Uganda AIDS Commission, noted that women and girls continue to bear a disproportionate burden of the HIV epidemic, with women accounting for the majority of people living with HIV in Uganda.
“HIV is still with us and remains a threat. Each one of us has a responsibility to do whatever we can to prevent new infections and support those living with the virus,” she said. Dr. Stephen Watiti, an HIV/AIDS activist and Commissioner at the Uganda AIDS Commission, encouraged participants to embrace HIV testing and treatment services, noting that early diagnosis and adherence to medication enable people living with HIV to lead long, healthy, and productive lives.
“When you test positive, it does not mean you are going to die. With proper treatment and adherence to medication, people living with HIV can live long, healthy, and productive lives,” he said.
He also urged participants to reject stigma and discrimination and support those affected by HIV/AIDS. Speaking on behalf of the Chairperson of the Judiciary HIV/AIDS Committee, Deputy Registrar Dorothy Lwanga Ssempala said the Judiciary continues to integrate HIV/AIDS interventions into its programmes through health camps, workplace sensitization, media engagements, and support initiatives for staff living with HIV. She noted that Uganda’s
HIV response is guided by the Presidential Fast-Track Initiative, which aims to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030, and reaffirms the Judiciary’s commitment to supporting that goal.
“The objective of today’s camp is to reduce stigma, prevent new infections, and promote a supportive environment for people living with HIV,” she said.
The Resident Judge, Rogers Binega Kinobe, Deputy Registrar of Mubende High Court, said the initiative was important because many court users face health-related challenges and may not always have access to reliable health information and screening services.
“This sensitization and free screening programme is a valuable opportunity for both staff and court users. I encourage everyone to take advantage of the services being offered today because they are intended to improve our wellbeing,” he said.
Dr. Elizabeth Kasirye Omagino reminded participants that diseases such as Ebola remain a threat and emphasized hygiene practices through the “5 Fs” approach—Faeces, Fingers, Food, Fluids, and Flies—as a key strategy for preventing disease transmission.
A candlelight memorial ceremony led by the Uganda AIDS Commission was also held to honour those who have lost their lives to HIV/AIDS and to reaffirm commitment to supporting people living with the virus while combating stigma and discrimination.
Participants were taken through the Judiciary HIV/AIDS Workplace Policy by Innocent Ahabwe, an Economist in the Judiciary, on behalf of the Commissioner of Human Resources.
The camp also featured free medical screening, testimony sharing by a person living with HIV, practical demonstrations, and interactive discussions aimed at deepening awareness and promoting positive health-seeking behaviour. The programme was moderated by Sheila Wamboga, Principal Communications Officer in the Judiciary.
According to reports from the Uganda AIDS Commission, the country has registered significant progress in the fight against HIV/AIDS, with a 61 percent reduction in new HIV infections, from 97,000 cases in 2010 to 37,000 by the end of 2024.
HIV prevalence among people aged 15–49 has declined from more than 18 percent in the 1990s to 4.9 percent today.
However, the Commission notes that the epidemic continues to have a “female face,” with approximately 930,000 women living with HIV compared to men, while more than 70,000 children aged 0–14 years are currently living with the virus-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
