Health 1 November 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)

Buwenge Town Council Tops Jinja in New HIV Infections

Buwenge Town Council has registered the highest number of new HIV infections in Jinja District for the 2025/2026 financial year, driven by population movement and urban activities. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/buwenge-town-council-leads-jinja-in-hiv-positive-cases-5655320

Buwenge Town Council has emerged as the leading lower local government for new HIV-positive cases in Jinja District, according to recent district health data.

Out of 442 individuals who tested positive during the 2025/2026 financial year, Buwenge accounted for 28 percent, translating to 127 new cases. District HIV focal person Ms Suzan Naguya revealed the figures, noting that Kakira Town Council followed closely at 22 percent, while Kagoma Town Council recorded 21 percent.

Other areas included Busedde Sub-county at 12 percent, Buyengo and Namagera town councils at 5.8 percent and 5.6 percent respectively, and Butagaya Sub-county recording the lowest numbers.

Ms Naguya attributed the higher infection rates in these areas to heavy population movement and vibrant social scenes.

“When you look at the areas with the highest numbers, they are all urban centres with bars and lodges that attract many people,” Ms Naguya explained, adding that such hubs draw sex workers, which calls for targeted prevention and testing campaigns.

Despite these local spikes, overall HIV prevalence in Jinja District has dropped from 3.7 percent to 3.4 percent, falling below the national average of 4.7 percent. Health officials continue to encourage regular testing, faithfulness, and abstinence to curb further transmission.

The statistics came to light during a three-day medical camp organized by the Insurance Regulatory Authority (IRA) at Mpumudde Primary School in Jinja City. Dr Protazio Sande, the IRA chief executive officer, noted that the camp aimed to address lagging health indicators in eastern Uganda through community outreach.

Meanwhile, local leaders also flagged rising mental health and diabetes cases. Jinja City Secretary for Health Ms Irene Nakato Wakabi called on the Ministry of Health to boost medical supplies for mental health patients. Dr Charles Wako of Mpumudde Health Centre IV added that the facility registers at least one new case of diabetes or hypertension daily.