Umukuuka orders mandatory HIV clearance for 2026 circumcision rituals
“If we act collectively, we can save our generation and protect our children,” he said.
Mbale: The Umukuuka III of Bamasaaba, His Highness Jude Mike Mudoma, has announced that beginning next year, an official circumcision year all initiates will be required to undergo HIV screening and obtain clearance from the Ministry of Health before participating in the cultural rite.
Speaking at the close of a one-day HIV/AIDS sensitization workshop in Mbale, the cultural leader said the measure aims to safeguard young people and ensure that the cherished tradition does not contribute to new HIV infections.
“We are entering a circumcision year. During this period, ministers and health officials will ensure that every initiate is cleared by the Ministry of Health on their HIV status before circumcision is done,” he said. He further urged families to know their HIV status and promote responsible sexual behavior among children.
The workshop, organized under the theme “HIV/AIDS Sensitization Workshop for Cultural Leaders,” was sponsored by the Uganda AIDS Commission and called on cultural institutions to intensify grassroots action.
Uganda AIDS Commission focal person Robert Wandwasi urged clan leaders to integrate HIV awareness into all cultural events, saying the country remains steadfast in its commitment to ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.
“We should make the Mbale Declaration that we are ending this menace,” Wandwasi said.
Dr. Stephen Watiti, a member of the AIDS Commission board, emphasized mainstreaming HIV across all community activities. He noted that although Uganda targets the global 95-95-95 goals by 2025, current performance stands at 94-90-96. He reminded leaders that 20,000 people globally die daily from AIDS-related causes.
“Achieving zero new infections and zero stigma by 2030 will require discipline, adherence to medication and strong community vigilance,” he added.
Steven Masiga, spokesperson in the Umukuuka’s office, delivered a passionate keynote address in which he applauded the Commission for training journalists and called for similar training for clan chairpersons.
“We acknowledge that we have lost the best minds, talents and energetic people in Masaba land due to the AIDS menace,” he said.
He urged clan leaders to educate communities about the dangers of drunkenness and drug abuse both known to fuel risky behavior. With the circumcision season approaching, he stressed the need to groom children to live responsibly and highlighted the institution’s commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals.
Health expert Dr. Dominic Waburookoh warned that HIV prevalence remains highest among youth aged 15 to 40. He noted that cultural practices surrounding circumcision not the procedure itself often encourage risky sexual behavior.
“Circumcision itself is not the problem, but the ceremonies before and after, including advice that initiates are now mature and should get wives. That is where sexual abuse begins,” he said.
He called for strict certification of circumcisers, enforcement of discipline in hostels, and the establishment of an HIV desk within the Inzu ya Masaba to support reporting, data collection and community education.
Dr. Waburookoh also highlighted that 37% of men and 15% of women have multiple partners, a major driver of new infections. He revealed that HIV funding in Uganda comes 14% from government, 80% from development partners, and 5.4% from private spending.
Culture and Heritage Minister Moses Kutoyi warned that AIDS could wipe out future generations if leaders do not act urgently.
“Gender-based violence is high because of unfaithfulness driven by irresponsible behavior. As leaders we cannot be silent,” he said.
Minister Irene Mang’ali voiced alarm at rising teenage pregnancies, noting that some girls as young as nine are becoming pregnant in rural areas. She called for a return to strong parental guidance.
Inzu Minister for Climate Change Simon Peter Nabende Wamoto raised concerns about displacement due to landslides, saying it has forced couples to live apart and fueled infidelity. He urged government to treat resettlement as part of HIV prevention programming.
Assistant Health Minister Sarah Manana urged elders to move beyond lamentation and produce a concrete action plan.
Elder Engineer Wekesa called on the AIDS Commission to empower young people during school holidays and said the Umukuuka’s five-year term should be a period of transformation.
In his closing remarks, the Umukuuka urged clan leaders, government agencies and cultural institutions to work together.
“If we act collectively, we can save our generation and protect our children,” he said.
Participants resolved to draft community-level guidelines to strengthen HIV prevention during the upcoming circumcision season and beyond.
Do you have an advertisement or article you want to publish? Mail us at theugreports@gmail.com or WhatsApp +256757022363.
