Ugandans have been urged to stop HIV-related stigma and prioritize efforts to increase awareness about the disease.
The call was madeReach A Hand Uganda (RAHU), in partnership with the Uganda National Musicians Federation (UNMF) during the this year's annual IKnowKati campaign, held on Tuesday at A'lure Suites, the home of UNMF, in commemoration of World AIDS Day.
Benson Muhindo, the acting Country Director of Reach A Hand Uganda, stated that as part of the plan to eliminate HIV in Uganda by 2030, they have partnered with UNMF to raise awareness.
He emphasized that artists, with their large audiences, play a key role in combating stigma and promoting HIV awareness.
"Artists can be game changers in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Artists have a unique opportunity to leverage their platforms to raise awareness" he said.
Muhindo noted that the rise in HIV cases, particularly among young people and youths, is concerning.
He added that by collaborating with musicians whose music is widely consumed by this group, the message can be effectively conveyed to them.
"We are working with these musicians, because we think that they have a platform which we don't have. They have so many young people who follow them, who have a desire to even come close to them. So when we take them to the communities where the young people are, they are able to interact with them, tell them from their experiences around HIV," he said.
He expressed concerns about the impact of lifestyle changes, such as the rise of massage and sauna establishments, which make it harder to achieve the goal of ending HIV by 2030, as workers in these places are vulnerable.
However, he assured that efforts will be made to ensure the message reaches these areas.
"We have new ways of life that have come up. We have massage parlous, saunas and so many things that have opened up where people are very vulnerable. Women that work there are really, really vulnerable. And so it makes it problematic for the Ministry of Health to achieve the targets, because the ways of life have changed, and we think that we need to continue to ram up that information and tell young people that it's important for them to remember that you can live with the virus. But it has consequences," Muhindo said.
He praised influential figures, especially musicians, who have openly shared that they live with the virus, noting that their actions have greatly contributed to combating stigma.
"We have had many of them who have come out to say that they're living with the virus, and what they have done to support their peers and for this movement to even get good traction, it's important that influential figures like those come out."
Eddy Kenzo, the president of the Uganda National Musicians Federation (UNMF), praised Reach A Hand Uganda for selecting them, emphasizing that they have a large audience and their music has the power to spread the message widely.
Kenzo urged people to refrain from stigmatizing those living with HIV and instead offer them love, emphasizing that it is nobody's fault to have the virus.
"HIV is real, and it's critical we take proactive measures to protect ourselves. We must acknowledge that HIV can affect anyone regardless of their background or circumstances."
"Having HIV is not the end of the world, with proper care and medication, you can live a happy, and fulfilled life. Let’s put an end to HIV stigma and focus on awareness and support. Some individuals are born with the virus, while others may contract it from unexpected sources."
Kenzo encouraged fellow musicians and public figures to adopt the habit of regular testing, as it will help them lead healthier lives.
He also urged them to be vigilant.
"I used to fear HIV so much that I stayed away from women when I started my music career."
He thanked Reach A Hand for creating awareness about HIV stating that it helps reduce stigma, promotes education, encourages testing, and supports those affected.
Canon Gideon Byamugisha, who has been living with HIV for 32 years, highlighted the importance of ending the stigma against people living with HIV and instead promoting love and acceptance.
He also encouraged people to test and know their status stating that knowing your HIV status is the start of managing its spread.
"Over 20,000 people living with HIV are not even aware of their status which needs to be changed as the fight to end HIV continues."
He also encouraged those living with HIV to adhere to treatment and take good care of themselves.
The IKnowKati2024 jam session began with a series of free health activities, including check-ups, HIV testing, door-to-door health talks, and counseling.
The event concluded with a candlelight vigil to honor those lost to HIV, followed by fireworks and a song of hope and awareness.
