Lira, Uganda | Health officials have raised concern over persistently high HIV infections in parts of the Lango sub-region, prompting a renewed push to use cultural structures to stem the spread of the virus.
The Uganda AIDS Commission (UAC) says Lira City and Oyam District recorded the highest number of new HIV infections in the sub-region in 2024, with 350 cases each, underscoring the need for community-led interventions beyond health facilities.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ engagement at Happy Haven Children’s Park in Lira City, UAC Director of Partnerships Tom Etii said cultural leaders are strategically placed to influence behaviour change, particularly among young people.
“Culture reaches people where the health system cannot—inside homes, during ceremonies and at community gatherings. That influence must be harnessed to prevent new infections,” Mr Etii said.
According to UAC data, about 96,000 people in the Lango sub-region are living with HIV out of the national total of 1.5 million.
Nationally, Uganda records about 37,000 new HIV infections annually, translating to roughly five new infections every hour.
Mr Etii noted that UAC is working with 21 cultural institutions across the country as part of efforts to eliminate HIV as a public health threat by 2030.
The Prime Minister of the Lango Cultural Institution, Prof Willy Okullo, said the institution had resolved to integrate HIV prevention messages into cultural activities, including clan meetings and traditional ceremonies.
“We acknowledge that culture can either fuel or fight HIV. Our commitment is to use our platforms to promote responsible behaviour and reduce stigma,” Prof Okullo said.
Local health officials attributed the continued spread of HIV in urban and peri-urban areas to socio-economic pressures and risky behaviours.
Lira City HIV focal person Dr Hillary Okello cited poverty-driven commercial sex work, multiple sexual partnerships, early sexual debut and wife inheritance as major drivers.
Lira District Health Officer Dr Patrick Ocen said the sub-region has achieved a viral load suppression rate of 95 percent, ranking ninth nationally, but warned that adolescents remain particularly vulnerable.
“Young people are engaging in high-risk sexual behaviour. Cultural leaders must work with parents and communities to protect this generation,” Dr Ocen said.
Uganda aims to end HIV as a public health threat by 2030, a goal officials say will only be realised through strong partnerships between health authorities, cultural institutions and communities.
