High HIV prevalence a shame for Toro, says King Oyo

__________

TORO - The King of Toro Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru has reminded his subjects that the HIV and AIDS scourge is real and continues to claim lives.

During the ceremonies to celebrate his 29th coronation anniversary as Toro king on September 12, 2024, Oyo stated that the rising HIV prevalence for Fort Portal is a shame for the kingdom. 

Toro kingdom has remained one of the regions with the highest HIV prevalence in Uganda. For instance, Kabarole district, which is part of the kingdom in 2022, came second to Kalangala district with a high HIV prevalence rate standing at 14%.
 
Fort Portal leading in HIV prevalence

Toro's Fort Portal city, whose prevalence now stands at 17.8 per cent, far above the national average of 5.1 percent, is the region with the highest HIV prevalence based on the 2023 data. 

These revelations were made by Uganda Aids Commission director general Dr Nelson Musoba while interfacing with Members of Parliament on May 24, 2024. He also raised concern about the high prevalence rates amongst young people and older persons between 40-50 years.

Mbarara City follows it, although the high HIV prevalence has also been reported in Northern corridor, especially along the highways where there is high commercialisation and sex work, and the lake regions have also recorded high HIV prevalence rates. 

The king, therefore, challenged all his subjects to contribute to the fight against HIV and AIDs.

Moral decadence to blame

Earlier during the day, King Oyo joined his subjects to attend a thanksgiving service at St John’s Cathedral.

During the church service, Bishop Reuben Kisembo of Rwenzori Diocese partly attributed the rising HIV prevalence to moral decadence, especially among the youths.

“Some of the core values of Toro are decent dressing, respect for one another, hard work and being a gentle people. Unfortunately, some of these values have started fading away” Bishop Kisembo said.