Declare your HIV sero status, Ugandans told

By Jeff Andrew Lule and Ramathan Abbey   

If more people come out publicly and declare their HIV sero status, it might help in reducing stigma among those infected and the spread of the epidemic, a health expert has said.

Dr. Amina Kabuye an HIV/AIDS expert at Case Hospital said this could easily create awareness thus reducing the number of those who get infected.

"Many people especially the youth continue to behave recklessly because there’s treatment of AIDS. That's why many continue to get infected. But if they get to hear about more testimonies from the patients and what they go through, I believe many can change their actions and attitudes," she noted.

Kabuye was speaking at an International candlelight memorial day celebration at Case Hospital.

The candlelight ceremony was led by a 7-year-old Sasha Bitature as sign of creating awareness that AIDS affects all ages.

She also noted that many patients continue to live in denial, refusing to admit their status.

"Many patients live in fear especially men and refuse to inform their spouses and family members. This is very dangerous because in a bid to act normal, they hide their medicine and fail to take it as recommended thus developing more complications," she added.

Kabuye said others especially young people keep silent and continue spreading the epidemic innocently through having multiple sexual partners.

She revealed that Case Hospital has 826 HIV patients, and out of these, 528 are on medication.

Margaret Rujumba, the hospital's corporation manager, noted that despite government's efforts to fight the epidemic, many people especially those in rural areas are still ignorant about HIV.


Dr. Amina Kabuye an HIV/AIDS expert (R), Public relations manager, Tashobya Nsubuga (second right) joined by Nurses and Doctors during  the International Candle light Memorial day celebration at Case Hospital on May 16, 2015. Photos/ Ramadhan Abbey                              

"Many just hear of it and read about it. That's why there is more need to sensitize people on the epidemic to know what they are headed to face if they misbehave," she said.

Andrew Kimuli a pastor from Watoto Church, urged young people to abstain until the right time to live a more productive life.


The hospital's public relations manager, Tashobya Nsubuga asked Government to support private hospitals, in the fight against HIV.

"Some patients lack money to get treatment to treat other infections, that's why many die," she added.