a). World AIDS Day 2024
On 2nd December 2024, ROM commemorated World AIDS Day to create awareness on HIV/AIDS, show love and solidarity to those living with HIV and remember our brothers and sisters lost to the pandemic. The event started with a Holly Mass at Our Lady of Africa Catholic Church Mbuya, continuing in the community
with a march from our head office at Mbuya to Port Bell Luzira. The event was graced by Hon. Paul Mugambe
– the Mayor of Nakawa Division as the Chief Walker and other dignitaries. The mayor emphasized that it is everyone’s responsibility to end HIV.
“To end HIV by 2030, we all have the responsibility to see that this is possible by playing our parts. “ He said.
He also urged Kampala Capital City Authority to withdraw licenses of all leisure facilities offering transactional sex as they form hotspots for new HIV infections in Kampala Region. ROM vows to continue partnering with other players to end HIV in the country.
Let each of us test for HIV to know your status, and if you do, please be an ambassador of HIV testing wherever you go. Ask a friend if tested, and if not, help them do so.
Mayor Paul Mugambe
Hon. Paul Mugambe addressing participants during World AIDS Day at Portbell Luzira
Beneficiaries testify to ROM’s support in the HIV Struggle
At the event, Sarah and Prossy, two ROM beneficiaries shared their victory stories in the fight against HIV/AIDS amidst challenges. Their stories inspired many, giving hope on positive living and expressing gratitude for the support received that enabled them to have HIV negative children. It is possible, they both attested.
ROM staff taking teachers through an HIV management session during the event at Kiswa Primary School
b) Pre-World AIDS Day Activities
Prior to the big day, ROM’s Community Department organized a Pre-World AIDS Day School Program and Sports Gala to raise awareness on HIV/AIDS and promote healthy living. The event that attracted hundreds of school-going children and their teachers was dominated with activities such as training to build teachers’ and other school staff’s capacity on HIV/AIDS, particularly on HIV prevention, positive living and dangers of stigma. Children, teachers and ROM staff participated in games that included sack race, rope skipping and chair dance among others.
c)ROM observes the 16 Days of Activism against Violence
ROM staff, joined by community members and other players march through Nakawa Division communities on the climax day against Violence on Women and Girls.
From November 25th, 2024 (International Day for Elimination of Violence against Women) to December 10th, 2024 (Human Rights Day), ROM joined the rest of the world to observe the 16 Days of Activism against Violence on Women and Girls, a key global moment aimed at calling for an end to violence against women and girls. This year, all activities were run under the theme Unite to End Violence against Women and Girls.
ROM supported violence survivors sharing testimonies at the 16 Days of Activism Climax event.
The Climax event was held on10th December at Gisani Primary School Acholi QuartersNakawa Division as an action to increase awareness, advocacy efforts and share knowledge and innovations to end all types of violence against women and girls in the communities served.
Participants flash the End Violence sign at the Climax event of the 16 Days of Activism against Violence at Gissani primary School in Nakawa Division.
