HIV rights groups attack Museveni
Country programme director of Uganda Cares Henry Magala addresses a press conference yesterday in Kampala. Looking on is the advocacy programme officer, Mr Kenneth Mwehonge(L) and executive director of Uganda Alliance of Patients Organisations Joshua Wamboga. Photo by Dominic Bukenya
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The organisations note that there are scientific interventions approving condom use and male circumcision to reduce HIV spread.
Kampala- A coalition of civil society organisations on the frontline of Uganda’s HIV response yesterday demanded President Museveni to withdrawal his remarks on HIV/Aids prevention.
While commemorating World Aids Day in Fort Portal on Monday, the President said: “Those NGOs and whites come deceiving you that circumcision and condom use are the best ways to protect yourself against HIV/Aids. But I advise you to put padlocks on your private parts.”
Mr Museveni added: “In 1990, when HIV infections reduced from 18 per cent to 6 per cent, our message was not to resort to condoms but abstinence. We managed to bring down the rates of infection until other people brought in condom use and circumcision.”
However, Ms Alice Kyayonga Mutebi of Uganda Cares, said the President’s remarks fuel spread of shame, stigma and discrimination, which will increase the risk of HIV infections among Ugandans.
Ms Lilian Mworeko of International Community of Women Living with HIV, said the claims by the head of state are poisoning the national efforts towards the HIV fight.
“Ugandans should not believe in what the President said in Fort Portal but believe in evidence and science-based interventions,” Ms Mworeko said.
While commenting on the President’s remarks in a telephone interview, Prof Vinand Nantulya, the chairman of Uganda Aids Commission, said: “Safe male circumcision and condom use give different results and scenarios. I need more time to study the scenarios in order to comment.”
Ms Nakisozi Mastulah, a resident of Kawempe living with HIV, said: “The President’s comments have made me lose hope because someone living with HIV has a right to a sexual relationship.”
Uganda’s national HIV/Aids prevalence remains high at 7.3 per cent, with a rate of 380 new infections registered per day.
