Government Seeks Shs15 Billion to Boost Nationwide HIV Prevention Campaigns

As Uganda presses forward with its national agenda to eradicate HIV/AIDS by 2030, the government has presented a compelling case for additional financing. Hon. Milly Babalanda, the Minister in the Office of the President, informed lawmakers during a plenary sitting on Thursday, 12 November 2026, that an injection of Shs15 billion is urgently required.

The requested funds are designated to empower the Uganda AIDS Commission. The money will specifically drive the coordination and expansion of comprehensive prevention messages across the country.

According to Minister Babalanda, prioritizing prevention remains critical. The strategy emphasizes scaling up social and behavioral change initiatives, such as promoting abstinence and faithfulness, to ensure targeted messaging reaches every population group.

Despite notable strides in the national response, persistent hurdles continue to fuel the epidemic. Babalanda highlighted key challenges including social stigma, discrimination, sexual and gender-based violence, and a shortage of modern technological tools to effectively engage the youth.

Alarmingly, annual new infections remain high at 34,000, with young people bearing the heaviest burden. Young women between the ages of 15 and 24 account for roughly 30 percent of these new cases.

On a positive note, the minister praised the Presidential Fast Track objectives, noting that Uganda has achieved a significant 65 percent reduction in annual AIDS-related deaths.

Following the presentation, Speaker Jacob Marksons Oboth referred the ministerial statement to the parliamentary committee on HIV/AIDS for deeper examination and scrutiny before any financial approvals are finalized.

Read the original report on the Parliament of Uganda.