Health 14 May 2026 The Observer (Uganda)
Kigungu Landing Site Grapples with Surging HIV and Unsafe Abortions
Kigungu landing site, a bustling hub on Lake Victoria, is facing a growing health crisis marked by an increase in HIV infections and unsafe abortions. Limited access to sexual health services, misinformation, and the transient nature of its large population are key contributing factors. Source: https://observer.ug/news/silent-crisis-unfolds-at-kigungu-landing-site-as-hiv-unsafe-abortions-rise
A major lakeside settlement, Kigungu, is experiencing a silent health emergency with rising rates of HIV and unsafe abortions. Home to over 70,000 residents and a daily transit point for more than 1,000 travelers, the densely populated area struggles with limited access to formal healthcare and widespread misinformation.
Health workers and community organizations like Family Medical Point are highlighting risky sexual behavior as a primary driver of these issues. Persistent stock-outs of condoms and a lack of accessible family planning services mean many residents engage in unprotected sex, leading to unintended pregnancies and increased HIV transmission.
“Sex doesn’t wait. Every day, people are engaging in sexual activity, often exposing themselves to HIV and unintended pregnancies because they lack access to contraceptives, services and even condoms,” stated Isabella Amony, team leader at Family Medical Point.
The high number of women seeking post-abortion care indicates that unsafe abortions are prevalent, often only addressed when complications arise. This trend is exacerbated by the constant movement of people, inadequate health education, and limited contraceptive access.
Continuity of HIV treatment is also a significant challenge. The mobile nature of the fishing and transport communities means many individuals struggle to maintain their medication regimens when transitioning between landing sites, despite efforts to connect them with government facilities.
“The prevalence remains high because people are constantly moving. There is not enough health education, and access to condoms and family planning services is still limited,” Amony added.
Efforts are underway through regular outreach sessions to provide sexual and reproductive health services, address gaps in family planning, and combat myths surrounding contraception. However, health officials emphasize the need for greater male involvement in reproductive health decisions and consistent community engagement to promote safer sex practices.
This story was reported by The Observer (Uganda).