Mukono District Woman Member of Parliament, Hannifah Nabukeera, has raised concern over a surge in HIV infections at Kyungu Health Centre III, warning that Uganda’s target of achieving an AIDS-free status by 2030 could be slipping out of reach.
During a monitoring visit to the facility, Nabukeera learned that the health centre is registering an average of five new HIV-positive cases each day.
Her visit, intended to assess the state of health services in the area, uncovered wider problems ranging from congestion to lack of storage space and critical infrastructure gaps at the centre, which serves eight surrounding villages.
“This is not just a statistic, it’s a wake-up call,” Nabukeera said.
“If we continue to record such high numbers, we risk reversing the progress we’ve made in the fight against HIV/AIDS.”
She called for renewed public education efforts, advocating for behavioural change and increased access to testing, particularly in rural and peri-urban communities.
Nabukeera also pressed the government and health sector partners to strengthen healthcare systems and prioritise prevention strategies.
Kyungu Health Centre III has experienced a sharp rise in patient numbers, which staff attribute to its proximity to factories drawing a mobile workforce from across the country.
According to the facility’s in-charge, Alex Ninsiima, the rise in HIV cases is driven by widespread complacency and limited awareness of prevention practices.
“The virus does not discriminate. People need to take responsibility—get tested before engaging in sexual activity or use protection,” Ninsiima said.
In response to the worrying trend, the facility has ramped up community outreach, targeting workers and residents in nearby factories and informal settlements. The aim is to encourage more people to know their status and adopt safer behaviours.
Yet the centre remains under strain. The maternity ward is severely overcrowded, with male and female patients separated only by curtains. Staffing levels have not kept pace with the growing patient load, leaving health workers overwhelmed.
Joyce Musoke, Chairperson of the facility, urged the government to support land acquisition and provide additional resources for expansion.
“The current setup can no longer meet the community’s demand,” she said.
Area councillor Rita Nandyose revealed that funds for the centre’s expansion have been included in the current financial year’s budget, raising hopes for improved service delivery.
Dr. Anthony Konde, the Mukono Municipality Health Officer, acknowledged the pressure the centre is facing, noting that its recent upgrade from Health Centre II to III has also increased its responsibilities. .
He assured residents that more staff and medical supplies are being mobilised, alongside community education drives on HIV prevention.
As the HIV numbers continue to rise, health officials and political leaders alike are calling for swift action to protect the gains Uganda has made in the decades-long fight against the epidemic.