THE Uganda Network on Law, Ethics and HIV/AIDS has joined hands with other civil society organisations to challenge the proposed HIV/AIDS prevention and control Bill, that seeks to punish people who infect others with the virus. Gladys Kalibbala talked to some of the members at a meeting held in Kampala recently and brings you their views

Evas Maniragaba from Kamwenge district
The Government should find a solution instead of isolating people living with HIV. There is need to sensitise people about HIV/AIDS, especially the benefits of testing.

Maj. Rubaramira Ruranga, executive director of the National Guidance and Empowerment Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS
Mandatory testing and disclosure to a partner violates people’s rights. The Government should find ways of sensitising the masses about voluntary testing. We all get our results after counselling from qualified counsellors, so why insist that once you are infected you should disclose your status to your partner? Who will have counselled her/him? Isn’t that one of the ways to kill someone prematurely?

Dora Musinguzi, the acting executive director of Uganda Network on Law Ethics and HIV/AIDS
Such a law may discourage people from testing because of fear of prosecution. The Bill also needs to review the powers given to doctors to release results to a third party.

Macklean Kyomya, representative of sex workers
Many of us are running out of business because of lack of condoms. We have not got any supplies in almost five months. It will be useless to carry out policies of preventing the spread of HIV/AIDS without including sex workers. Sex workers should be brought on board when policies concerning HIV are being discussed.

Dr. Steven Watiti, chairperson of the National Forum for PHAs Networks Uganda
It will be difficult to prove who infected another. In our society, women cannot easily negotiate safe sex or condom use for cultural reasons. However, failure to do so while they know their status will warrant them punishment for intentional transmission of the virus. Prevention of new infections should be a shared responsibility of both the infected and those who are HIV-negative.

Leonard Okello, the director of programmes at Alliance in Uganda
The Bill discriminates against a minority group. How come other sexually transmitted diseases have never had such laws? The law will target the 20% who have willingly tested for HIV.

Richard Makumbi, the programme officer for Kamwokya Christian Caring Community
Forced disclosure will lead to torture of women as many have been accused of infecting their spouses.