The staff of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development and other stake holders have gathered to remember the people that have lost their lives to HIV/AIDS with a call to stop stigma and discrimination against people living with the disease.
Stakeholders drawn from government MDAs , education institutions, religious and non-governmental organizations, converged at the Ministry of Energy headquarters in Kampala to commemorate the International Candle Light Memorial Day.
Rev. Prof. Gideon Baguma Byamugisha led prayers to commemorate the world HIV/AIDS day
The Permanent Secretary at the Energy Ministry Eng. Irene Bateebe implored Ugandans to give all the necessary support needed by the people living with HIV/AIDS so that they feel appreciated and respected.
” The world we need to live in is the world free of stigma such that every single person is respected, appreciated and valued and every single person believes that they are loved, included in the society and feel worthy,” she stated .
Eng. Irene Bateebe said that the Ministry of Energy will continue with its policy to offer financial and moral support to all its staff that have declared their HIV status and those with other related diseases.
Ms Gloria Nawanyaga representing people living with HIV/AIDS said thus ; “ It’s really hard to fit in the society while HIV positive. You will be rejected, discriminated not only in the community but also in schools which leads children to drop out of school and some committing suicide”.
Rev. Prof. Gideon Baguma Byamugisha who led prayers at the event called for continued dialogue between the development partners, government and people living with HIV following the passing into law the Anti –Homosexual Act 2023.
The national celebrations to mark the HIV/AIDS Day were held on May 21, 2023 at Kintate Primary School under the theme, “Ending HIV/ AIDS by 2030 Hence Communities Leading in HIV Prevention and Care.”
