TASO registers reduction in new HIV infections
Livingstone Tinkamanyire, 87, who has been on ARVs since 2004, encouraged people on treatment to take their medication consistently in order to live long, healthy lives.
Masindi: The AIDS Support Organization (TASO) has reported a significant reduction in new HIV infections and related deaths over the past 15 years.
This was revealed by Yunus Bagonza, the Head of Programs at TASO Masindi, during an interview following the TASO charity run held in Masindi District over the weekend. The run aimed at raising funds for the construction of the TASO Masindi Treatment Centre.
Bagonza noted that Uganda has realized key milestones in HIV prevention, stating that since 2010, new infections have reduced by 60%, HIV-related deaths by 63%, and national HIV prevalence has dropped from 18% in 1995 to 4.9% in 2025.
However, he emphasized that challenges remain, especially with persistent new infections among adolescents. He said the country is yet to meet its target of ending HIV by 2030 and called for more investment in prevention across all population groups.
Meanwhile, Edmund Tayebwa, the TASO Manager Masindi, revealed that the run raised over Shs 25 million towards the treatment centre project. He said the organization has already spent more than Shs 100 million on the foundation works but still needs an additional Shs 700 million to begin construction of the perimeter wall.
Tayebwa urged community members to continue supporting the project even beyond the charity run.
Edith Tusubira, Commercial Manager at the Uganda National Oil Company (UNOC), said the company allocates 0.1% of its funds towards efforts aimed at eliminating HIV by 2030.
Livingstone Tinkamanyire, 87, who has been on ARVs since 2004, encouraged people on treatment to take their medication consistently in order to live long, healthy lives.
Julius Mugisa, vying for Buruli County MP seat, urged community members to test regularly and know their HIV status. He also advised those already on treatment to avoid spreading the virus and help protect the younger generation.
While presiding over the event, Francis Mugerwa, the Public Relations Officer at Kinyara Sugar Ltd, one of the partners of the run commended TASO’s continued efforts in the fight against HIV. He said the company supports such initiatives because a healthy community is vital to their operations.
Meanwhile, Kibaale District has registered a decline in new HIV infections for 2025, according to data compiled by the end of September this year.
James Asiimwe, the Acting District Health Officer (DHO) for Kibaale, revealed that in 2024, the health department tested 47,285 people, of whom 380 were found HIV-positive.
Between January and September 2025, a total of 24,751 people were tested, and 249 were confirmed positive showing a continued reduction in the district’s positivity rate. Asiimwe added that all health facilities in the district now offer ART (Antiretroviral Therapy) services.
Despite the general decline, Asiimwe reported a rise in new HIV infections in Mugarama Sub-county, where cases increased from 15 in 2024 to 39 in 2025.
Nyamarunda Town Council also saw an increase—from 20 new cases in 2024 to 32 this year.
However, other areas recorded significant reductions. In Kibaale Town Council, cases dropped from 150 in 2024 to 82 in 2025, Matale Sub-county, cases declined from 40 to 18 and in Kyakazihire Sub-county cases fell sharply from 32 to 7.
Asiimwe said the district will continue strengthening community sensitization and improving access to health services to sustain progress in the fight against HIV. He encouraged the public to go for regular testing and to support people living with HIV as Kibaale works toward its reduction targets.
Uganda joined the rest of the world on Monday, 1st December 2025, to commemorate World AIDS Day.
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