Ending AIDS by 2030 is a Shared Responsibility: Uganda Police Force as Key Stakeholders

With support from the Embassy of Netherlands, UNAIDS in collaboration with Uganda AIDS Commission held a dialogue with top leadership of the Uganda Police Forces on 26th April 2024 at Hotel Africana, Kampala. 

The dialogue was geared towards sensitizing the police on the burden of HIV and the importance of removal of barriers for Uganda to achieve the 95 - 95 - 95 Global AIDS targets by 2025.

 Since the re-introduction of the debate on the Anti Homosexuality Act in March 2023, there have been anecdotal reports from some districts arising out of the different interpretations of the law. Increased anxiety among service providers and the key populations, increased stigma, discrimination, and gender-based violence (GBV) against the equity populations in the districts, at facilities and in the communities have been reported. 

“I am pleased to state that our collective work to end AIDS by 2030 as a public health threat is on the right track” said Susan Namondo Ngongi, the UN Resident Coordinator in her remarks. “It is on the right track because of the collective and relentless efforts by government, development partners, civil society, communities, and stakeholders, including your effort and support to the HIV response,” she added. 

The meeting discussed the dissemination of HIV prevention messages, the revised Equity Plan, and the national commitments therein and importantly, publicizing the Ministry of Health Director General of Health Services and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution’s Circulars. The Circulars focus on the continuity of health services based on non-discrimination, and on the management of cases to minimize arrests and human rights violations, in the current socio-legal context. The meeting also discussed issues of safety and security of the potentially affected communities and how best these could be addressed. 

Officers from the police leadership welcomed the dialogue, expressing willingness to support ongoing HIV prevention initiatives. They also called for continued engagement with the UN family, including UNAIDS, and with the Uganda AIDS Commission to educate all levels of the police and the wider community, on strategies to end AIDS as a public threat by 2030. 

The event was also attended by the UNAIDS Country Director, representatives from the Embassy of the Netherlands, the Acting Director General Uganda AIDS Commission, and members of the National HIV/AIDS Equity Steering Committee. 

Currently, with support from Embassy of Netherlands, UNAIDS is working with partners on a programme to support affected communities, particularly the most vulnerable and marginalized members access sexual and reproductive health services, including HIV services. The programme also aims to have the sexual and reproductive health rights of these groups institutionally respected and protected.