The Equal Opportunities Commission has raised serious concern over the increasing spread of HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria in Uganda, particularly among people living in congested conditions—especially men.
The concerns were highlighted during the release of a report on the three diseases, which identified several contributing factors, including limited awareness and risky behaviors.
“Some men are washing and reusing condoms after use, which is extremely risky and increases the spread of infections.”
The report, conducted in December 2025 across four regions and 40 districts, focused on high-risk groups such as young people, domestic workers, long-distance truck drivers, and island communities.
According to the Commission Chairperson, Hajjat Sofia Nalule
“Although the government has made efforts to fight these diseases, some groups remain unreached.”
She explained that vulnerable populations include persons with disabilities and those lacking access to essential services and supplies.
“There is still a shortage of preventive materials, and risky practices like reusing condoms remain a serious challenge.”
The report further indicates that“Tuberculosis is more common among adults, especially men living in crowded environments, while young women aged 15 to 24 are the most affected by HIV infections.”
Hajjat Nalule warned that current interventions have not been fully effective:
“Unless the findings of this report are implemented, the spread of these diseases could worsen in Uganda.”
While launching the report, Dr. Charles Olaro, Director General at the Ministry of Health Uganda, acknowledged progress but raised concern
“Uganda has made progress in fighting these diseases, but many people continue to die from preventable illnesses because they are not given enough attention.”Dr Olaro said
Globally, tuberculosis remains one of the leading infectious diseases. According to the World Health Organization (2025):
“There were about 10.7 million new TB cases and 1.23 million deaths worldwide.”
The report calls for urgent action on “Increased awareness, improved access to healthcare, and stronger implementation of prevention measures are needed to reduce the spread of these diseases.”
Despite these challenges, Uganda has made notable progress toward the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets
. As of December 2024:
94% of people living with HIV know their status
90% of those who know their status are on treatment
96% of those on treatment are virally suppressed
This places Uganda within striking distance of the 2025 targets. However, significant disparities remain across population groups
“While women aged 15 years and above have higher awareness and viral suppression rates, children aged 0–4 years lag behind, and men have lower treatment coverage compared to women.”
