Health 25 March 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Ankole Sub-Region Faces Alarming Rise in HIV Prevalence Rates
HIV prevalence in Uganda's Ankole sub-region has surged well above the national average of 4.9 percent, reaching 11 percent in Kiruhura, 10 percent in Mbarara City, and 8 percent in Bushenyi. The Uganda Aids Commission is reviewing prevention efforts amid concerns over complacency, risky behaviors, and cultural practices fueling the increase. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/worry-as-hiv-prevalence-rate-in-ankole-surges-5403550
The Uganda Aids Commission (UAC) has launched a review of HIV prevention, treatment, and care services in western Uganda’s Ankole sub-region after prevalence rates spiked significantly. Districts like Kiruhura (11%), Mbarara City (10%), Bushenyi (8%), Rwampara and Sheema (7% each), and Ibanda, Rubirizi, and Ntungamo (6% each) far exceed the national average of 4.9%, according to the UAC Presidential Fast Track Report 2024-2025.
Ankole includes Mbarara, Ntungamo, Kiruhura, Rwampara, Ibanda, Kazo, Isingiro, Sheema, Bushenyi, Rubirizi, Mitooma, Buhweju, and Mbarara City. UAC aims to evaluate district-level coordination, engage communities, and pinpoint policy and resource gaps.
Key drivers include community complacency, with many viewing HIV as less threatening, alongside risky behaviors such as multiple partners, alcohol and drug abuse, transactional sex, and transgenerational relationships—especially in urban areas. Cultural norms like widow inheritance and partner sharing persist, compounded by rising sexual and gender-based violence.
Dr. Nelson Musoba, UAC director general, highlighted women’s vulnerability due to societal expectations to accept sexual advances. Rapid urbanization from economic growth has drawn diverse populations, boosting prostitution in trading centers with bars and lodgings, as noted by Frank Katwesigye of Mbarara District People Living with HIV/Aids.
Residents like Sarah Oryashaba of Mbarara City urge redesigned campaigns, as HIV is now downplayed compared to cancer, malaria, or pregnancy fears among youth. Joyce Tibaijuka, Mbarara City HIV coordinator, points to low comprehensive knowledge, illiteracy, stigma, discrimination, and poverty as amplifiers.
This trend risks undoing decades of progress, prompting calls for stronger policies against risky behaviors.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)