Activists representing people living with HIV/AIDS in Uganda have renewed calls for urgent legal and policy reforms, warning that existing laws continue to fuel stigma, discrimination, and barriers to access to care.
They also unveiled plans for a new shelter and support centre aimed at improving psychosocial and medical support for affected communities amid ongoing challenges in the national response.
The call was made by members of the National Forum of People Living with HIV/AIDS Networks in Uganda (NAFOPHANU) during a press briefing held at the offices of the Uganda AIDS Commission in Ntinda as Uganda joined the rest of the world in remembering people who have died from HIV/AIDS-related illnesses.
Speaking at the briefing, NAFOPHANU Executive Director Kyomukama Flavia said the organization is pushing for legal reforms to protect the rights and dignity of people living with HIV/AIDS.
“We are calling upon the government to review and remove laws that continue to stigmatize and discriminate against people living with HIV/AIDS,” Flavia said.
She revealed that the organization has also launched a campaign aimed at establishing a shelter and support center for people living with HIV/AIDS, saying the project requires significant financial support.
“This initiative is intended to provide a safe space for people living with HIV/AIDS where they can receive support, counseling, and care,” she added.
Flavia further explained that the campaign seeks to encourage people living with HIV/AIDS to seek treatment freely without fear of discrimination, while also reducing the number of children born with the virus.
NAFOPHANU Chairperson Atim Salome acknowledged the progress Uganda has made in the fight against HIV/AIDS but warned that several challenges continue to affect the response efforts.
“We have registered achievements in fighting HIV/AIDS, but there are still major challenges affecting communities and organizations supporting people living with the virus,” Atim said.
She cited the closure of some organizations due to restrictive laws as one of the setbacks that has affected access to support services and funding.
Atim also expressed concern over the rising number of young girls contracting HIV, calling for renewed efforts to protect vulnerable groups through awareness campaigns and access to healthcare services.
The activists appealed to the government, development partners, and the general public to support their ongoing initiatives, especially the planned establishment of a home for people living with HIV/AIDS.