Minister Kasule Lumumba denied HIV test

By Jackie Nambogga

Officials from the Aids Information Centre (AIC) on Sunday declined to carry out a blood test for HIV on urban development state minister Justine Kasule Lumumba.

Lumumba was chief guest at the Jinja district at a function held at Busoga square in Jinja municipality where AIC Jinja branch was conducting free HIV testing.

The minister who was accompanied by the south eastern regional police commander Ben Mubangizi first inspected a parade mounted by various security agencies and companies.

When she got to the AIC stall, she asked for a blood test but officials declined saying she needed to follow the proper procedure before her wish could be granted.

Peter Naluwairo, a counselor attached to the Jinja AIC told the minister that they could not merely do a blood test on her without undergoing all the necessary procedures.

In an interview with New Vision later, Naluwairo said Lumumba had to undergo a counselling session during which she would explain the reasons for taking the blood test.

“Before one is tested, she or he must show cause why they want the test to be done. Some people come for blood tests due to marriage intentions while others do it because they are not certain of the previous relationship or previous sexual intercourse,” Naluwairo explained.

Lumumba declined to undergo the procedures and abandoned her earlier request. She proceeded with the parade inspection and other activities of the day.