On 19th May 2026, Reach Out Mbuya Community Health Initiative (ROM) joined the Uganda AIDS Commission (UAC) and other stakeholders to commemorate the Candlelight Memorial Day 2026, a solemn occasion dedicated to remembering lives lost to HIV/AIDS, celebrating progress, and renewing commitments to ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.
While Uganda has made significant progress in reducing HIV prevalence and expanding access to treatment, the epidemic remains a major public health concern. According to the 2025 Uganda HIV/AIDS Factsheet (based on data up to 31st December 2024), approximately 1,527,238 people were living with HIV in Uganda. Of these, about 930,000 were women and 570,000 were men, reflecting a higher burden among women. The country also recorded around 37,000 new HIV infections and approximately 20,000 AIDS-related deaths during the same period, while about 1.3 million people were accessing antiretroviral therapy (ART), indicating continued progress in treatment coverage and improved health outcomes.
ROM was founded with a strong commitment to curbing the spread of HIV and supporting vulnerable populations to live healthy, dignified, and fulfilling lives. As such, ROM remains committed to supporting national efforts to prevent new HIV infections, improve access to quality healthcare services, and empower communities with the knowledge and tools needed to live healthy and productive lives.
Themed “Ending AIDS by 2030: Embracing the role of Women,” the memorial brought together government representatives, development partners, civil society organizations, religious and cultural leaders and health workers as both a moment of remembrance and a call to strengthen collective action in Uganda’s HIV response.
Delivering the keynote address, Ms. Anne Twinomugisha Muhairwe, Deputy Inspector General of Government, emphasized the importance of remembering those who lost their lives to HIV/AIDS while recommitting to purposeful action. She called upon Ugandans to restore compassion, integrity, and family values, protect young people, and empower women as critical pillars in the journey towards ending AIDS by 2030.
Minister of the Presidency, Hon. Milly Babalanda, highlighted Uganda’s remarkable progress in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
“New HIV infections and AIDS-related deaths have significantly declined over the years, while more than 1.4 million Ugandans are accessing life-saving antiretroviral treatment. These are attributed to deliberate government commitment, resilient communities, dedicated health workers, civil society organizations, development partners, religious and cultural institutions and the courage of people living with HIV,” she explained.
Hon. Babalanda shares a light moment with women as they join singer Joanita Kawalya in a lively song performance, celebrating unity, joy and community spirit.
As part of the commemoration, ROM participated in the exhibition and provided a range of health education and preventive services. These included HIV testing services, distribution of HIV self-testing kits, information and referrals for Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), blood pressure screening and awareness on cervical cancer, breast cancer and other NCDs.
The services benefited students, security personnel and members of the public who attended the event, helping to increase access to health information and promote early health-seeking behavior.
As candles were lit in remembrance of those lost to HIV/AIDS, participants reaffirmed their commitment to stand with those who have lost their loved ones to AIDS and work together to achieve an AIDS-free generation