EDITOR
Mbarara is hosting a three-day National HIV/AIDS Symposium organized by the Uganda AIDS Commission (UAC), bringing together researchers, policymakers, health experts, and civil society to evaluate the country’s progress in the fight against HIV/AIDS. The event is taking place at the Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST) pharmacology grounds in Boma.
While speaking at the opening ceremony, Dr. Ruth Senyonyi, the Chairperson of the Uganda AIDS Commission, said Mbarara was selected as this year’s host to help assess Uganda’s achievements and remaining gaps in the national HIV/AIDS response.
Dr. Senyonyi acknowledged that although Uganda has made notable progress over the years, the fight still faces serious challenges—especially shrinking donor funding, which has slowed some interventions. She, however, praised Uganda for its resilience and continued global recognition for maintaining an effective HIV/AIDS response even with limited resources.
She also noted that MUST was chosen as the venue because of its strong research and technological contributions to combating life-threatening diseases, including HIV/AIDS.
The ongoing symposium, which runs until Friday, is focusing on emerging innovations, scientific breakthroughs, and ongoing research designed to strengthen the country’s HIV/AIDS response and accelerate progress toward ending the epidemic.
Meanwhile, the Uganda AIDS Commission confirmed that Bushenyi District will host the 2025 World AIDS Day celebrations. The national event will be held on 1st December 2025 in Kizinda Town, with President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni expected to preside over the ceremony.
This year’s World AIDS Day will be commemorated under the theme:
“Building a Sustainable HIV Response to End AIDS.”
