Cultural voices mobilised to tackle HIV crisis in Acholi

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In a bid to address social and cultural factors that promote HIV/AIDS in the Acholi region, the Uganda AIDS Commission has partnered with the Acholi cultural institution to lead efforts in educating, sensitising and creating awareness among communities, to end new infections and deaths by 2030.

During a partner engagement held on April 17, 2026, at the Acholi cultural institution headquarters in Kanyagoga ward, Bardege-Layibi division in Gulu city, the Uganda AIDS Commission and the Acholi cultural institution identified harmful cultural practices and proposed solutions to address them.

According to Uganda Human Rights Commission statistics, HIV/AIDS prevalence in Acholi stands at 7%, above the national figure of 4.8%, making it the second highest in Uganda. Gulu city has the highest rate in Acholi at 9.8%, followed by Pader and Nwoya districts.

Victor Rwengabo, the coordinator for mid northern region at the Uganda AIDS Commission, said they partnered with Acholi chiefs, identified social and cultural factors that promote HIV/AIDS in the region and developed action plans for cultural leaders to spearhead education, sensitisation, community dialogues and awareness campaigns on the dangers of HIV/AIDS, with the aim of reducing new infections and deaths.

He urged Acholi chiefs that “if you are given the microphone to speak in any function, gathering or radio talk show, even on other issues, please pass the message of HIV so that we end HIV/AIDS by 2030”.

Rwengabo said they aim to ensure that by 2030, there is zero infection, zero AIDS-related deaths and no children born with HIV/AIDS.

Martin Okumu, the deputy prime minister of the Acholi cultural institution, said they are ready to work with the government to fight HIV/AIDS by creating awareness among the people of Acholi.

He said HIV/AIDS in Acholi became highly prevalent during the LRA war, when people stayed in IDP camps, morale declined, poverty increased, and some young women turned to prostitution, which was not previously common in the region.

Okumu explained that last year they partnered with the Ministry of Health to fight malaria through community sensitisation campaigns, encouraging people to vaccinate their children.

Christine Olok, deputy mayor of Gulu city, said the involvement of the Acholi cultural institution in the fight against HIV/AIDS is crucial because it helps shape values, attitudes and behaviours among the people.

“Sensitive approaches like this will make meaningful progress instead of leaving it to only the Uganda AIDS commission. I appreciate the Acholi cultural institution for accepting this partnership, which will strengthen our response and protect the well-being of people," she said.

Olok requested the cultural institution to work closely with Gulu City Council in the fight against HIV/AIDS, noting that increased business activity in the city is bringing new social dynamics, including prostitution.