Authorities in Lira City have raised concerns over increase in 'risky lifestyles' has the city witness alarming prevalence of HIV infection in the area.
With an HIV prevalence rate of 12%, Lira City is grappling with one of the highest burdens of HIV infections in Uganda.
Leaders are calling for urgent action and more responsible lifestyles to combat the crisis.
The HIV focal point person for Lira City, Hillary Okelo, attributed the surge to various factors, including the increasing involvement of people living with HIV in risky behaviours such as commercial sex work.
"The majority of the population are depressed. The only way they can seek livelihood is to go for sex, go and, they say, make fun. So in the course of fun, they end up getting infected," said Okello.
Alarmingly, some of those engaging in prostitution are reportedly married individuals who seek clients during the day while their spouses are at work.
Okello said the proliferation of saunas and massage parlours has also been identified as potential hubs for risky behaviours.
"Massage parlours have also turned out to become serious hotspots. What goes on inside there is alarming. So you can see the overall situation," he said.
For her part, Lira City deputy town clerk, Lillian Ocare said the city is currently seeing existence of male sex workers, with majority being the young people.
"And that's why HIV is sitting here. Will you not think to have a good life? You go and give yourself to someone just because you want good life. We are even now beginning to register male prostitutes," said Ocare.
Available data indicates there are more than 100,000 persons living with HIV in Lango subregion, with 10% of these being between the age of 20 to 24 years.
The deputy director HIV/AIDS in the UPDF, Major Solomon Kandole, warned the army personnel and leader military barracks against risky behaviours as the authorities intensify the fight against new infections.
"We need soldiers who are healthy. The security of this country is entirely in our hands. It's not in the hands of the civilians. And you can only perform well when our soldiers are strong and healthy. The commanders are aware," said Maj Kandole while opening a ART clinic at Lira Military Barracks.
"The hardest job for a commander is to command the soldiers who are sick."
Meanwhile, persons living with HIV AIDS in the city report facing persistent stigma despite ongoing awareness campaigns.