Actor Bash Luks Joins Forces With TASO For HIV/AIDS Awareness In Uganda

Bash Luks has joined forces with The AIDS Support Organization (TASO) to elevate awareness about HIV/AIDS across the nation.

Recently, TASO hosted the impactful “End AIDS” training in Uganda’s Central Region, drawing in a diverse array of music and arts celebrities from various districts. The highlight was the celebration of World AIDS Day in Kampala at the Kololo National Ceremonial Grounds, themed “End AIDS”.

TASO shared in a statement that the commemorative training, which took place at Pride Travelers Hotel in Mubende district from November 5th to 7th, served as a vital platform to address the significant impact of HIV/AIDS globally and evaluate ongoing prevention and care initiatives. This event also galvanized political and social commitment to accelerate the efforts to end HIV/AIDS once and for all.

Participants delved into critical discussions on educating community members about HIV transmission and the pressing structural, cultural, and social barriers that must be overcome, especially in light of World AIDS Day.

TASO emphasized the crucial role celebrities play in awareness campaigns, noting their unique ability to inspire and mobilize young people, making advocacy messages more resonant in local communities.

In an engaging video call with training facilitators, Bash Luks pointed out that HIV/AIDS is the seventh leading cause of death worldwide, with more than 60% of these deaths occurring in the African Region. He stressed that World AIDS Day represents a significant opportunity for those impacted—individuals, civil society organizations, healthcare providers, policymakers, and development partners—to advocate for and collaborate on strengthening access to HIV/AIDS prevention and care services through comprehensive, multi-sector efforts.

The training showcased engaging skits combining drama and comedy appropriate for all ages. According to TASO, these performances were designed to present characters with dignity while promoting positive behavior, effectively countering the harmful stereotypes that portray women solely as victims and men as aggressors. The objective was not only to entertain but also to foster respectful dialogue around HIV, ensuring that humor does not undermine the experiences of those living with the condition, which is contrary to the essence of World AIDS Day.

Leading facilitator Brian J Atiku highlighted the importance of leaving stories open-ended, as this approach encourages ongoing dialogue around the issues raised rather than seeking immediate resolutions. Co-facilitator Juliet Namulondo stressed that the dramas intentionally avoided extreme portrayals of violence, such as domestic abuse, to maintain the dignity of the characters involved.

“The skits were crafted to inform audiences about various forms of Sexual Gender-Based Violence and means of contracting HIV. They facilitated vital conversations, enabling individuals to share their experiences and reflect upon the themes portrayed in their daily lives,” Juliet Namulondo stated.

At the training's conclusion, participants were awarded certificates, and T-shirts and caps featuring HIV advocacy messages were given out to promote social behavior change through fashion. Musicians committed to using their platforms to raise awareness through music and media, including radio, television, and social networks, while collaborating with health partners like Reproductive Health Uganda at public events. Some even pledged to arrange cancer screening appointments for their parents.