2005

ICASA photo exhibition exposes HIV/AIDS stigma: New Vision (Kampala) - December 31, 2005; Elvis Basudde in Abuja; There is a face whichever way you turn. Faces that expose untold issues at the heart of the HIV/AIDS pandemic. It could be a hospitalised mother with severe diarrhoea. She had been breastfeeding her baby when she tested HIV positive. With counselling, she began finding her way forward. Again, it could be Asumpta, who h
Solicitor General Grilled Over GF Cash: New Vision (Kampala) - December 30, 2005; John Odyek, Kampala; The commission of inquiry into the alleged mismanagement of the Global Fund yesterday grilled Lucien Tibaruha, the solicitor general, for receiving sh60m for the justice ministry, banking it and not spending it on HIV/AIDS activities. The commission heard that the ministry got the money in April from the Project Manage
AIDS centre needs sh330m to treat kids: New Vision (Kampala) - December 28, 2005; Chris Kiwawulo; THE Mildmay Centre needs sh330m to provide free non-antiretroviral treatment to HIV-positive children with opportunistic diseases, a quarterly report has revealed. In the quarterly report, Dr. Emmanuel Luyirika, the centre s director, said the money was required to cover the year ending March 2006. He said the number o
Women desert hubby: New Vision (Kampala) - December 24, 2005; Robert Wabomba; A MAN who recently fell in love with a widow whose husband had died a year earlier of AIDS saw his two wives flee when they learnt that their husband had made the widow pregnant. Baligeya of Butemera had secretly fallen in love with Janet, the widow, and all was going well until Baligeya neglected her, citing unnamed r
Kumi gets Bush fund: New Vision (Kampala) - December 23, 2005; Julius Okwi; KUMI district has been granted US$645,000 (about sh1.2b) from US President George Bush s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief in Africa to fight HIV/AIDS for one year (2005-2006). The grant is not linked to the controversial Global Fund. The district director of health services, Dr. Felix Ocom, said in Kumi recently that the
Private firm kept Global Fund account for ministry: New Vision (Kampala) - December 23, 2005; John Odyek; THE commission of inquiry into the alleged mismanagement of the Global Fund heard that the Ministry of Health hired a private firm, Acclaim Consultancy, to operate an account on its behalf. Dr. Elizabeth Madraa, the director of the Aids Control Programme (ACP), said she did know the individuals or government department
Fund probe queries Mildmay pay: New Vision (Kampala) - December 22, 2005; John Odyek; The commission of inquiry into the mismanagement of Global Fund money yesterday heard that Mildmay Jajja s Home received sh1.2b without signing any contract agreement with the Ministry of Health and the Global Fund Project management Unit (PMU). Stella Nabatanzi, the director of finance at Mildmay, said they submitted
Mayuge opens first information centre: New Vision (Kampala) - December 21, 2005; Charles Kakamwa; BUSOGA Rural Open Source and Development Initiative (BROSDI) has opened the first information and resource centre in Mayuge district. The sh40m centre, with internet and computer facilities, is in Waina village, Baitambogwe sub-county. Officiating at the launch on Friday, BROSDI board chairman Vincent Waiswa Bagiire sa
Uganda to export ARVs: New Vision (Kampala) - December 19, 2005; Ben Mugisha; UGANDA will become the first African country to manufacture and export Anti-retroviral drugs (ARVs) by mid-2006, the Government has said. The drugs increase the life expectancy of people who have tested positive to HIV and enables them to live a near-to-normal life. Quality Chemicals Ltd, a leading distributor of life
Govt Buys Machine to Test Condoms: New Vision (Kampala) - December 16, 2005; Carol Natukunda, Kampala; THE ministry of health has purchased a machine to test the quality of condoms. The ministry s AIDS control programme manager, Dr. Elizabeth Madraa, on Thursday said all procured condoms would be tested before distribution. The condom testing machine has been purchased and it is now at the airport. We want to ensure tha
GTZ gives to HIV patients: New Vision (Kampala) - December 17, 2005; THE German Development Cooperation (GTZ) has donated 600 Rocket Lorena stoves worth sh14m to people living with HIV/AIDS, reports Fred Ouma. The stoves, made of clay, cement and sand, are an improved version with high heat retention and produce less smoke. The stoves can use either firewood or charcoal. GTZ, through th
Revitalise HIV campaign: New Vision (Kampala) - December 16, 2005; THE rate of HIV infection in the Ugandan population has stagnated at 6.5 per cent and is no longer going down. Uganda has been praised globally for bringing prevalence down from its peak of 18 per cent in the late 1980s. But has the HIV campaign in Uganda now run out of steam? Indeed HIV infection may have started to i
HIV rate stagnates at 6.5%, lowest among Muslims: New Vision (Kampala) - December 15, 2005; Carol Natukunda; THE HIV prevalence rate has stagnated at about 6.5% over the last three years, according to the 2005 Uganda AIDS Indicator Survey. However, there has been a subtle increase in HIV between 2002 and 2005 in nine antenatal clinics around the country, but six have gone down. Dr. Alex Opio, the assistant commissioner in the
AIDS drama features on FM stations: New Vision (Kampala) - December 14, 2005; YOUNG Empowered and Healthy (YEAH) has been airing a radio serial drama, Rock Point 256, throughout the country on various radio stations in several languages. This radio drama, which was launched in July this year, was designed to help reduce HIV/AIDS among young people. The weekly radio serial drama airs on nine radi
Heath Talk: New Vision (Kampala) - December 14, 2005; Work harder AFRICA – The continent is making little headway against AIDS despite wider availability of life-prolonging drugs, the United Nations said. A drive to bring AIDS-fighting anti-retroviral drugs had scored success, according to UNAIDS , with major distributions under way in many countries. But although some 70
Wanyama insists on contesting: New Vision (Kampala) - December 13, 2005; Egessa Hajusu; Busia district LC5 chairman Stephen Wanyama Oundo has vowed to take back the NRM party card and stand as an independent candidate in next year s LC5 elections. If Barasa Ogajo, the district NRM chairman, wants me to take back his card, I am ready to do so but I have to take part in next year s elections as an independe
Telling Your Lover You Have HIV: New Vision (Kampala) - December 10, 2005; BEING HIV-positive is not the same as being in the Urban Hit Squad. Unlike the former, the latter can easily change to another uniform. However, the good news is that it is no longer a death sentence. If you play by the rules, you can live long enough to see Museveni retire in 2015. The bad news is that you may have th
Septrin is effective spread the news: New Vision (Kampala) - December 9, 2005; SEPTRIUN is a wonder drug which, when taken daily, gives tremendous relief to and prolongs the life of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). It prevents common HIV-related illnesses of the chest, diarrhoea, middle ear infection, urinary tract infection, gonorrhoea and malaria. It also reduces the risk of pneumonia and i
Do not ignore AIDS fight – MP tells govt: New Vision (Kampala) - December 9, 2005; Flavia Nakagwa; KAMPALA woman MP Margaret Nantongo Zziwa has cautioned the government not to become complacent in its efforts to fight against the HIV/AIDS pandemic. She said the rate of new infections for HIV/AIDS was on the increase, because most people had became content with Uganda s success story in the fight against the pandemic
Wamala calls for HIV/AIDS campaigns: New Vision (Kampala) - December 8, 2005; Chris Kiwawulo; EMMANUEL Cardinal Wamala has called for sharing of HIV/AIDS information to create awareness and reduce the scourge, reports Chris Kiwawulo. Those who have trained in handling HIV patients should share the information with other members of the public upon finishing their courses, Wamala said. He said this during a visit
Respect church teachings – Ddungu: New Vision (Kampala) - December 8, 2005; Mathias Mazinga; THE Rt. Rev. Adrian Kivumbi Ddungu of Masaka diocese has asked secular leaders to respect the social teaching of the Catholic Church, reports Mathias Mazinga. He lashed out at condom agitators, saying they were frustrating the church s efforts to defend the people from HIV/AIDS. We always get critics, who attack us and
Septrin prolongs life for people with HIV: New Vision (Kampala) December 7, 2005; Timothy Makokha and Hilary Bainemigisha; Septrin is a wonder drug which, when taken daily, gives tremendous relief to and prolongs the life of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). The director of clinical services at Mildmay Centre, Dr Emmanuel Luyirika, says Septrin prevents common HIV-related illnesses and opportunistic infections of the chest, diarrhoea an
HIV linked to urinary tract infections: New Vision (Kampala) December 7, 2005; Timothy Makokha; A graduate from Mbarara University of Science and Technology recently scooped a science award during the scientific conference at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole. Emmanuel Azore, a graduate of medical laboratory sciences, beat 28 entrants to win the 23rd Scientific Kerchan Award, an annual scientific award. The foun
Abstinence Anthem: New Vision (Kampala) December 6, 2005; MUSIC is known to touch everybody. We love it, we live it. And for this reason, the IMF Productions is out to fight the HIV/AIDS scourge among the youth through music, dance and drama. IMF is part of Burning Forest Entertainment, a local entertainment company, which has an array of singers, dancers and actors. On Thurs
Mukula warns local healers on AIDS: New Vision (Kampala) December 6, 2005; Richard Otim, in Kumi; STATE minister for health Capt. Mike Mukula has warned traditional healers against misleading the public on HIV/AIDS treatment. Our healers have the wisdom for better and effective medicine but I warn those who claim they have the medicine to cure AIDS, Mukula said. Speaking on Saturday at the commissioning of 50 tradi
UN to feed Adjumani patients: New Vision (Kampala) December 6, 2005; Dradenya Amazia; THE UN food agency (WFP) programme to feed HIV/AIDS patients in Adjumani district has been launched. The first deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Disaster Preparedness, Lt. Gen. Moses Ali, launched the Food for Health programme on Thursday at celebrations to mark World AIDS Day at Adjumani Hospital. Ali praised WFP
NGOs rapped on condoms: New Vision (Kampala) December 6, 2005; Robert Kalemba; THE commissioner for primary teacher education, Margaret Ochen, has asked teachers to prohibit NGOs which distribute condoms to pupils without permission from the education ministry. I would like you teachers to prohibit any NGO which wants to distribute condoms to pupils in your various schools against entering your p
America donates sh180m for orphans: New Vision (Kampala) - December 5, 2005; Florence Nakaayi; UNITED States has donated US$100,000 (about sh180m) to the Alliance of Mayors and Municipal Leaders on HIV/AIDS in Africa (AMICAALL), Uganda Chapter, to support orphans and other vulnerable children. AMICAALL co-ordinator Dr. John Mugisa said the fund would be shared among four of the implementing centres in Kampala, B
Fight HIV in camps – Oryem: New Vision (Kampala) - December 3, 2005; Chris Ochowun; STATE minister for international relations Henry Okello Oryem has advised HIV/AIDS stakeholders to unite and reduce the high prevalence of HIV/AIDS in internally displaced persons camps in the north. We should stop bickering and sensitise the masses on how to fight HIV/AIDS and to live positive with the disease. The pr
Arua doctor wins Lukwiya Award: New Vision (Kampala) - December 5, 2005; Geresom Musamali; Makerere University Institute of Public Health (MUIPH) has chosen Dr. George Didi Bhoka from Arua Hospital for this year s Dr. Matthew Lukwiya Award. Lukwiya was the head of Lacor Hospital in Gulu when an Ebola epidemic struck during 2000. He died of the viral disease while treating the patients, after many other medic
AIDS day activities irk RDC: New Vision (Kampala) - December 3, 2005; Ali Mambule; RAKAI acting Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Lt. Kagulire has asked district leaders to stop inviting drama groups to the Aids day celebrations. Kagulire said he was irked by the dancing and singing done on the day while people remembered relatives who died at the hands of the disease. Speaking at the Aids day cel
Ssebaana says leaders copied Museveni zeal in fighting AIDS: New Vision (Kampala) - December 3, 2005; Chris Ochowun; Several local leaders have adopted President Yoweri Museveni s zeal in the fight against HIV/AIDS in Uganda , Kampala mayor John Ssebaana Kizito has said. We took it upon ourselves to follow in the footsteps of the President to do something to assist in the fight against HIV/AIDS by mobilising and sensitising the commu
Children challenge leaders on: New Vision (Kampala) - December 3, 2005; OVER 40 children living with HIV/AIDS in Uganda on Tuesday turned up for live videoconference at the Uganda Management Institute, challenging developed countries to tackle HIV/AIDS epidemic in developing countries. In a distressing indictment, children cited care and treatment as key factors in the management of HIV/AI
HIV peer vendors get certificates: New Vision (Kampala) - December 1, 2005; Titus Serunjogi; HIV activist Angella Wapakabulo recently awarded certificates to over 90 peer educators who successfully completed courses in HIV/AIDS education. The newly-graduated vendors will sensitise their colleagues on controlling the spread of the epidemic and try to bring an end to the stigma surrounding people living with HIV
Health to redesign ABC drive: New Vision (Kampala) - December 1, 2005; Fred Ouma; THE health ministry is to re-launch a comprehensive ABC strategy following threats that HIV/AIDS infections might explode reversing the country s success against the epidemic. Uganda is one of the African countries credited with reducing the HIV prevalence rate from about 15% in the early 1990s to about 7% today. The s
Babu condemns use of condoms in AIDS fight: New Vision (Kampala) - December 1, 2005; Florence Nakaayi; Housing state minister Francis Babu has condemned the use of condoms as a preventive measure against HIV/AIDS, saying it had instead increased the spread of the epidemic. Babu also asked the youth to abstain from sex until they are ready to marry and be faithful to their partners. Speaking at the AIDS day celebrations
Cheating is more than sex: New Vision (Kampala) - December 1, 2005; I cannot say Happy World AIDS Day today because there is nothing happy about AIDS. It is so difficult to communicate relevantly to people who put faith in relationships only to harvest death and destruction. It is very frustrating to give a person everything emotionally, sexually and spiritually, only to discover later
TASO chief urges schools on AIDS: New Vision (Kampala) - December 1, 2005; Charles Kakamwa; SCHOOL administrators should intensify music and drama activities to convey messages about HIV/AIDS, the executive director of The AIDS Support Organisation (TASO) has said. Dr. Alex Coutinho said, If the pupils are given such important messages on diseases like HIV/AIDS, they will pass them on to the parents and other
Vision, mayors donate to IDPs: New Vision (Kampala) - December 1, 2005; Mariam Nalunkuuma; THE New Vision and the Alliance of Mayors and Municipal Leaders on HIV/AIDS in Africa (AMICAALL) have donated items to war-affected communities in the north, reports Mariam Nalunkuuma. The items, including clothes, foodstuff, beddings, shoes, scholastic material and domestic utensils, will today be handed over to the b
Why you must test for HIV: New Vision (Kampala) - November 30, 2005; Hilary Bainemigisha; The advent of Antiretroviral (ARV) treatment and better HIV management has made it easier for people who feared the test to know their status. Benefits of testing According to Dr Mpango Lydia of International Medical Centre, ignorance of your HIV status is risky. If infected, the disease can advance undiagnosed, compro
Footsteps of HIV: New Vision (Kampala) - November 30, 2005; According to Dr. Emmanuel Luyirika of Mildmay centre, HIV enters the body through sex, mother to child, blood, and sharing sharps. It then invades the body defence cells (CD4) to multiply. Outwardly, the person will not be aware of what is happening. The window period is the time it takes for a person who has been infe
Barclays launches HIV/AIDS week: New Vision (Kampala) - November 30, 2005; Peter Kaujju; BARCLAYS Bank has launched a HIV/AIDS sensitisation week to encourage employee participation in community initiatives that fight the disease. Nick Mbuvi, the bank s managing director, said it was important for organisations like Barclays to fight HIV beyond the company to ensure that the society, which gives them busin
Rotary awards AIDS activist: New Vision (Kampala) - November 30, 2005; Fred Ouma; THE Rotary Club of Kampala North has awarded Agnes nyamayarwo, a nurse-turned-AIDS activist and Enid Mwebaze rwanbkore, a senior nurse at Mulago Hospital, for their outstanding contribution to the country. Speaking on Monday at the awarding ceremony at Nommo Gallery in Nakesero, club chairman Herbert muhumuza said the
Open HIV clinic for top officials, Kintu Musoke tells Government: New Vision (Kampala) - November 29, 2005; Eddie Ssejjoba; President Yoweri Museveni should establish a private clinic for top government officials and the elite who shy away from ordinary health facilities to seek for HIV/Aids testing, counselling and treatment, an official has said. Former premier and presidential adviser on HIV/AIDS Kintu Musoke said many high profile peopl
Barclays in HIV/AIDS awareness campaign: New Vision (Kampala) - November 29, 2005; DISCRIMINATION against employees with HIV/AIDS is still rampant in our society today. Barclays Bank kick- started a campaign against such discrimination recently. The initiative was announced at the bank s head office during a press conference. In attendance were partners in the AIDS fight including Dr. Ian Clarke of I
14,000 kids die of AIDS annually: New Vision (Kampala) - November 28, 2005; Florence Nakaayi, and Charles Ariko; A total of 14,000 children die each year due to AIDS in Uganda , the United Nations Children s Fund (UNICEF) has said. Unicef country representative Martin mogwanja said about 40 children acquire the virus daily with one child dying every hour. He said mother-to-child transmission was responsible for 25,000 HIV- positi
Migadde wins Power Inter School contest: New Vision (Kampala) - November 28, 2005; Jude Katende; MIGADDE College emerged victorious at the finals of the three-day long 2005 Power FM Inter School drama and writing competitions. Ntinda View College and Lubiri SSS came second and third respectively. The competitions were aimed at creating more awareness in the fight against HIV/AIDS. The best actor was from Lubiri SS
Mbarara RDC warns on early sex: New Vision (Kampala) - November 25, 2005; Kyomuhendo Muhanga; MBARARA resident district commissioner (RDC) Clement Kandole has cautioned the youth against misuse of modern technology, saying it was likely to lead them into early sexual behaviour, reports Kyomuhendo Muhanga. Quite a big number of youth go on the Internet to surf for pornography. What happens after one has seen wha
HIV infection declining – UN report: New Vision (Kampala) - November 23, 2005; UGANDA has registered a decline in HIV/AIDS infection, the annual report by the United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS and the World Health Organisation said on Monday. Uganda was also commended for access to treatment with more than one third of people in need receiving ARVs in mid-2005, the best coverage in sub-Saharan
2 million children working: New Vision (Kampala) - November 21, 2005; Robert Kalemba; THERE are over two million children in manual labour in Uganda , with 80% under domestic labour, the International Labour Organisation (ILO) chief technical advisor has said. Yuki Nose was on Monday addressing a workshop for child labour stakeholders, who included teachers, Police officers and district officials from M
'Inmates with HIV deserve better food': New Vision (Kampala) - November 19, 2005; Flavia Nakagwa; A prison health official has asked the Government and the donor community to boost the diet of prisoners living with HIV/AIDS, reports Flavia Nakagwa. The acting director of the prisons health service, Dr. Alex Kakoraki, on Monday said there was need to lift the nutritional status for such people in order to improve th
HIV spread may escalate – scientist: New Vision (Kampala) - November 19, 2005; Fred Ouma; A LEADING scientist has said Uganda s success in the fight against the HIV epidemic could be short-lived if more innovative strategies are not adopted in time to contain the high prevalence. Dr. John Rwomushana, the director of research and policy at the Uganda AIDS Commission, said the ABC strategy, which began as par
Artists raise funds for orphans: Though the two artists come from different schools, there are similarities in their stories: The New Vision (Kampala) - November 18, 2005; Emmanuel Ssejjengo; FOR one month, Aidchild Gallery at the Sheraton Kampala Hotel will run Nafha Maani-Ebrahimi and Fred Kizito Kakinda s joint exhibition to aid children orphaned by HIV/AIDS. The exhibition started on Thursday, November 10. Nafha Maani-Ebrahimi s jewellery mixes materials from different places, making a supercilious expr
US embassy aids HIV projects: New Vision (Kampala) - November 17, 2005; Dismus Buregyeya; THE US embassy has donated sh25m to support the poultry and livestock projects for HIV/AIDS-affected families in Masaka, reports Dismus Buregyeya. The projects were identified by the Uganda Muslim Women Tabliqs desk and the Uganda Muslim women Empowerment Initiative in Masaka. The US deputy Chief of Missions, Fitzer
HIV Film: New Vision (Kampala) - November 17, 2005; Apollo Mubiru; MAJOR Rubaramira Ruranga of the national guidance and empowerment network and Pastor Martin Ssempa of the global centre for Uganda s ABC strategy are to feature on a new video on how ABC strategy has impacted on HIV/AIDS. The film will share information on the unspoken roles, taboos and power in the HIV/AIDS arena.
67% of Mukono men don't use condoms: New Vision (Kampala) - November 16, 2005; Joel Ogwang; ABOUT 66.8% of men in Mukono district don t use condoms despite their free distribution, a study has revealed. The Uganda AIDS Commission (UAC) in collaboration with the District Directorate of Health Service carried out the survey last year. Launching the report at a one-day HIV/AIDS workshop held at Mukono Community
UK gives sh1b to women: New Vision (Kampala) - November 15, 2005; Madinah Tebajjukira; THE United Kingdom ’s Department of international development (DFID) has given a grant of sh1.2b to women living with HIV. The fund, to be channelled through the National Community of Women Living With AIDS (NACWOLA) and Interact Worldwide, was launched on Friday. NACWOLA promotes positive living among women living wit
Bikers donate sh17m to orphans: New Vision (Kampala) - November 14, 2005; Flavia Nakagwa; THE Uganda Bikers Association (UBA) on Friday donated sh17m to Mbuya parish Reach Out project to support 85 school-going orphans for a year. The association’s outgoing chairman, Bernard Runnebaum, said UBA aimed at promoting the enjoyment of owning and riding motorcycles and had a mission to support less fortunate peop
North launches HIV project: New Vision (Kampala) - November 12, 2005; Chris Ochowun; A sh200m project to protect the youth from HIV/AIDS and early pregnancy has been launched in northern Uganda . The Young Empowered and Healthy (YEAH) project in partnership with Save the Children launched the one-and-a-half year programme on Thursday, targeting over 200,000 youth. YEAH is a national multi-channel i
IDP camps increase HIV/AIDS prevalence in Katakwi: New Vision (Kampala) - November 11, 2005; THE prevalence of HIV/AIDS in Katakwi district has increased from nine to 21% since IDP camps were established last year, the state minister for northern Uganda rehabilitation has said. Dan nSalasatta reports that Grace Akello said the increase was caused by the lifestyle in the internally displaced people s (IDPs) cam
GLOBAL FUND ban lifted: New Vision (Kampala) - November 11, 2005; Steven Candia; THE Global Fund Secretariat yesterday lifted a suspension it had slapped on Aids, tuberculosis and malaria grants to Uganda three months ago. The lifting of the suspension, which takes immediate effect, will see US$360m that had been withheld in Geneva flow into the country to add power to the campaign against the thre
200,000 Ugandans to get Bush anti-AIDS kits: New Vision (Kampala) - November 9, 2005; Alfred Wasike; OVER 200,000 Ugandans living with HIV are to receive basic preventive care kits over the next five years from US President George Bush s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). Developed by the US Centre for Disease Control and Prevention in collaboration with Uganda s health ministry, The AIDS Support Organisation (T
Save your baby from HIV: New Vision (Kampala) - November 9, 2005; Hilary Bainemigisha; YOU are pregnant! Praise God. The whole family is excited. You don t want anything to go wrong. But it does! You are HIV positive and your husband is too! The idea of killing your own child haunts you, so does the fact that your property will be inherited by foreigners and your name will die forever! Alice Bakunda, a p
US charity aids disabled: New Vision (Kampala) - November 9, 2005; Prossy Nandudu; A US-BASED Christian organisation has donated wheelchairs to people with disability in the eastern region. The chairman of born-again churches in Uganda , Apostle Alex Mitala, said the organisation s vision was to ensure that every crawling person in the world gets a wheelchair. The Free Wheelchair Mission aims at
Health Talk: New Vision (Kampala) - November 9, 2005; WASHINGTON - US health officials have granted tentative approval to a generic form of GlaxoSmithKline Plc s oral AIDS drug, zidovudine, for use in President Bush s emergency relief plan to help fight the disease (PEPFAR). The drug, made by India-based drugmaker, Aurobindo Pharma Ltd, is the latest in a string of approv
Uganda Developing Fast - UN: New Vision (Kampala) - November 8, 2005; Cyprian Musoke, Kampala; DESPITE a worrying population growth rate, Uganda has recorded impressive progress in human development, the 2005 Uganda Human Development Report has said. The report titled, Linking Environment to Human Development; A Deliberate Choice, was released yesterday. It attributes the progress to improvement in literacy leve
Conflicts Retarded Development - Aporu: New Vision (Kampala) - November 5, 2005; Cyprian Musoke, Kampala; CONFLICTS, especially in the north, have retarded the country s development and exacerbated HIV/AIDS, the disaster preparedness state minister has said. In a statement at the opening of a workshop on the role of civil society and the private sector in the COMESA peace and security programme at Hotel Africana yesterday,
Jjemba admits flaws: New Vision (Kampala) - November 3, 2005; Alfred Wasike and Jude Etyang; THE procurement advisor of the embattled Global Fund s Project Management Unit has admitted that the suspended unit violated procurement regulations in the purchase of computers and other IT equipment as alleged by PriceWaterhouseCoopers. Dr. Pitto Jjemba, the 16th witness appearing for the 3rd day, yesterday confessed
TASO opens sh1.2b centre in Mbarara: New Vision (Kampala) - November 2, 2005; Maurice Okore; The AIDS Support Organisation (TASO), with support from Pfizer Inc, opened a new AIDS counselling and training centre in Mbarara recently to serve some of the 50,000 clients. The US$700,000 (sh1.2b) centre, also funded by Pfizer, the world s largest research based pharmaceutical company, is the second of four TASO regi
Ogoola team scrutinises Global Fund contracts: New Vision (Kampala) - November 2, 2005; Jude Etyang and Steven Candia; THE inquiry into the mismanagement of the Global Fund yesterday started scrutinising contracts cited in the audit report of PriceWaterHouse Coopers as containing irregularities. The commission, chaired by Justice James Ogoola, questioned how Gulf Africa, a supplier of only computer accessories, was short-listed to supp
Men told to join AIDS war: New Vision (Kampala) - October 31, 2005; Flavia Nakagwa; UNICEF country representative Martin Mogwanja has called upon men to join the fight against HIV/AIDS, writes Flavia Nakagwa. The fight against HIV/AIDS is not only for women but also men, therefore both men and women need to come together to address this issue because there are many roles that men can play, Mogwanja sa
Doctor queries Muhebwa's appointment on Global Fund: New Vision (Kampala) - October 31, 2005; Anne Mugisa and Jude Etyang; DOCTOR John Kayongo Mutumba told the commission of inquiry into the Global Fund that the Ministry of Health improperly disqualified him from heading the project despite being the best candidate in the interviews. Mutumba, who appeared before the commission probing alleged mismanagement of the fund, said he was seeking
Punish AIDS fund culprits - donors: New Vision (Kampala) - October 29, 2005; Apollo Mubiru; DONORS have called for strong action against any one guilty of mismanaging the Global Fund for AIDs. In a joint statement read by the Swedish ambassador to Uganda , Erik Aberg, at a health review workshop at Munyonyo on Thursday, donors said after the investigations, culprits should be handed over to the Inspector Gene
Chilling images of AIDS: New Vision (Kampala) - October 28, 2005; Stephen Ssenkaaba; In a world where 33 million people are living with HIV, it is hard not to feel part of this devastating pandemic. And with 23 million of these living in sub-Saharan Africa, the HIV/AIDS problem becomes even more real. Yet we somehow brush it off and behave as if AIDS were not here with us. The stigma, indifference and
PMU pinned over Global Fund: New Vision (Kampala) - October 28, 2005; Jude Etyang and Anne Mugisa; THE Project management Unit (PMU), which is being investigated for mismanaging the Global Fund on AIDS, was pinned yesterday for flouting procurement rules in the purchase of HIV/AIDS test kits. The health ministry gave wrong specifications for the supply of HIV/AIDS rapid test kits worth $540,000 (sh1.3b) and also sai
HIV is easy to stop, President Museveni tells Sky News TV: New Vision (Kampala) - October 27, 2005; INTERVIEW: President Yoweri Museveni on Tuesday night was hosted on Sky News TV live programme, World News Tonight in London Q: Your country has made enormous strides in reducing over ten years prevalence of AIDS, 15% down to 6% in the last couple of years. A: AIDS is not very infectious. You don t get it through hands
NPC pins ministers on Global Fund: New Vision (Kampala) - October 26, 2005; Jude Etyang and Anne Mugisa; NATIONAL Political Commissar (NPC) Dr. Crispus Kiyonga, who chaired the founding committee of the Global Fund on Aids, Tuberculosis and Malaria, yesterday told the commission investigating it s mismanagement that three ministers were not supposed to use the fund for supervision work. Kiyonga said the fund was designed
Minister raps Global Fund: New Vision (Kampala) - October 26, 2005; Apollo Mubiru; THE decision by the Global Fund to suspend grants on HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria to Uganda was done hurriedly and out of anger, the state minister for primary healthcare has said. Speaking at the joint government/donor health sector strategic plan review at Speke Resort, Munyonyo, Dr. Alex Kamugisha said the sus
EDITORIAL: Abstinence, Not Condom, is the Answer to Aids: New Vision (Kampala) - October 24, 2005; The Abstinence Be Faithful and Condom (ABC) approach has received many supporters in the media, but a number of writers have embarked on a campaign to present the worst form of biased information against Abstinence and Be Faithful (A&B) approach. The ABC campaign is a moral issue and, despite our arguments, we cann
'Include PWDs in AIDS programmes': New Vision (Kampala) - October 24, 2005; Flavia Nakagwa; THE Government and implementers of its policies have been told to include matters affecting persons with disabilities (PWDs) in its programmes, especially HIV/AIDS prevention. MP James Mwandha (PWDs Eastern) said during a press conference at the National Theatre recently that special assistance devices for PWDs were di
First Lady appeals on abstinence: The New Vision - October 22, 2005; FIRST Lady Janet Museveni has appealed to the youth to abstain from pre-marital sex, writes Vision Reporter. Mrs Museveni also said it was incorrect for those opposed to the promotion of abstinence to regard it as impractical and a danger to the youth. She was on Wednesday addressing hundreds of students of St. Lawrenc
Museveni cautions on sexual behaviour: New Vision (Kampala) - October 22, 2005; THE availability of Anti-Retroviral (ARV) drugs for treatment of HIV/AIDS should not become an excuse for people to become promiscuous, President Yoweri Museveni has said, writes Raymond Baguma. Museveni said, Do not hear that ARVs have come and you go on rampage. Experts have told us ARVs only reduce the virus in the
Uganda short of TB drugs: New Vision (Kampala) - October 22, 2005; Anne Mugisa and Jude Etyang; UGANDA has run out of drugs for tuberculosis (TB), the commission of inquiry investigating mismanagement of the Global Fund on HIV/AIDS, TB and Malaria, has heard. The probe, chaired by Principal Judge James Ogoola, on Wednesday heard that the suspension of the Global Fund grants to Uganda was already having adver
Churches hamper ARV use: New Vision (Kampala) - October 21, 2005; Patrick Jaramogi; CHURCHES are negating the distribution of antiretroviral drugs to people living with HIV/AIDS, saying Jesus will heal them, the director of kamwokya Christian Caring community (KCCC), Francis Mbazira, said on Tuesday. He asked the Uganda Aids Commission (UAC) to address the issue. Pentecostal churches are frustrat
Global Fund had long-time row: New Vision (Kampala) -October 20, 2005; Anne Mugisa and Jude Etyang; There was a running row between Uganda and the Global Fund Secretariat over procurement of drugs, before suspension of the HIV/AIDS, TB and malaria grants. Former Director General of Health Services Prof. Francis Omaswa told a commission probing the suspension that the Secretariat wanted to impose drugs that had not be
TASO opens Mbarara centre: New Vision (Kampala) -October 20, 2005; Maurice Okore; THE AIDS Support Organisation (TASO), with support from Pfizer Inc, opened a new AIDS counselling and training centre in Mbarara district on Friday to serve part of the organisation s 50,000 registered clients. The $700,000 (sh1.2b) centre, half of which was funded by Pfizer, the world s largest research-based pharmace
China reports 42% rise in HIV cases: New Vision (Kampala) - October 19, 2005; China s health ministry on Friday reported a 42 per cent rise in the number of HIV infections, with a campaign to test rural residents who sold their blood in the 1990s believed to be a major factor behind the sharp rise. Health departments in China had reported a cumulative total of 126,808 HIV infections, including 2
Uganda remembers Philly Lutaaya: New Vision (Kampala) - October 18, 2005; Patrick Jaramogi; AS Ugandans commemorated the late Philly Bongoley Lutaaya Day yesterday, smiles and relief filled the faces of patients admitted at St. Gonzaga ward in nsambya Hospital and others at Buyinja zone in Kabalagala in Kampala. To the many who are bed-ridden with HIV/AIDS, a tray of eggs, a roll of toilet tissue, a bar of so
Kabale chiefs unveil HIV/AIDS project: New Vision (Kampala) - October 18, 2005; Maurice Okore; POLITICIANS, businessmen and scholars from Kabale have unveiled an ambitious project to fight poverty, HIV/AIDS and malaria in the district. The project that will start with construction of a sh233m resource centre in the Northern Division of Kabale municipality was launched on Saturday at a fundraising dinner at Hotel
Bush Fund aids Hospice project: New Vision (Kampala) - October 17, 2005; THE US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDs Relief (PEPFAR) has provided US$3m to Hospice Africa ( Uganda ) to expand access to comprehensive palliative care services to people living with HIV/AIDS, reports Mariam Nalunkuuma. The grant is to enable Hospice Africa to build capacity of private and public sector Ugandan AI
Infectious Disease Institute to expand: New Vision (Kampala) - October 15, 2005; Anne Mugisa; The two-year-old Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI) at Mulago hospital is in an expansion drive estimated at US$2.93m to handle the local and international demand. The Pfizer-funded IDI, which belongs to Makerere University Medical School, handles mostly HIV/AIDS and other related infectious diseases. Construction of
Advocate for Uganda's poor children: New Vision (Kampala) - October 10, 2005; Arthur Baguma; HIS first name means love. The second name means flourishing. But Fikru Abebe s childhood is a contrast of his name. He started school at the age of 13, after toiling as a child labourer on a farm. Five decades later, he is helping children across the globe to avoid going through his childhood woes. Nine weeks in
NGO pleads for funds: New Vision (Kampala) - October 10, 2005; Families of people living with HIV/AIDS need a common fund to tackle their daily needs, the programme manager of Christian Children s Fund (CCF), Joseph Ssemujju, has said, reports Abubaker Mukose. He was touring CCF-funded projects in Jinja on Wednesday. CCF chief for Ethiopia , Kenya
Photography to change the face of HIV: New Vision (Kampala) - October 7, 2005; Emmanuel Ssejjengo; Photographic exhibitions have frequently been used to raise awareness on a number of issues, writes Emmanuel Ssejjengo. Positive Lives in partnership with ActionAid International Uganda , have set up a project to change the face of HIV/AIDS through such an exhibition. The pieces are to be drawn from an archive of over
World Vision aids Nakasongola: New Vision (Kampala) - October 6, 2005; Godfrey Kimono; WORLD Vision has constructed two health centres and sanitation facilities worth over sh1b in Nakasongola district. World Vision Uganda national project coordinator Fortunate ssewankambo said the facilities included two medical staff houses, rainwater tanks, 14 boreholes and 10 valley tanks. She said this at the com
Probe to name AIDS cash recipients: New Vision (Kampala) - October 5, 2005; Jude Etyang; THE commission of inquiry into mismanagement of the Global Fund on Aids Tuberculosis and Malaria (GFATM) is going to publish a list of all sub-recipients of the grant. The commission wants the intended beneficiaries of GFATM-funded projects to see the list and provide evidence on whether the money was properly used, th
Honey, aloe vera boost immunity in HIV patients: New Vision (Kampala) - October 5, 2005; Fred Nangoli; Armed with a small handbag in one hand, Joyce Twase quietly walked around the bush, picking small leaves off tiny plants as she stocks them inside her bag. In a few minutes, the bag is full and slowly, she heads for her home. Twase is not a traditional healer, but a trained herbal medicine woman, who goes about the bus
Global Fund Ban Still Standing: New Vision (Kampala) - October 3, 2005; THE suspension of the Global Fund s five grants to Uganda remains, Jon Liden, the Fund s spokesperson, said yesterday, writes Vision Reporter. Liden, the Fund s head of communication, said the Sunday Vision story that the suspension had been lifted was not true. The paper quoted health minister Major General Jim Muhwez
Some MPs took AIDS funds, says MP Issa Kikungwe: New Vision (Kampala) - October 3, 2005; Isaac Kalembe; KYADDONDO - South MP Issa Kikungwe has said his censure motion against health minister Jim Muhwezi failed because some of his colleagues benefited from the Global Fund grant. It is shocking that MPs are encouraging thuggery. Some benefited from the Global Fund. That is why they chickened out when it came to being count
Health Talk: New Vision (Kampala) - September 28, 2005; HIV cocktail drugs work HIV/AIDS -- Cocktails of anti-AIDS drugs cut the rate of progression from infection with HIV to full-blown AIDS by 86% compared to patients not receiving any treatment, British researchers said. They found that the effectiveness of Antiretroviral therapy (ART), a combination of at least three tr
Uganda to host UN research: New Vision (Kampala) - September 28, 2005; Raymond Baguma; UGANDA has been selected alongside nine other African countries to host a UN millennium research village project. The other countries are Senegal , Ethiopia , Mali , Ghana , Nigeria , Kenya ,
Healthcare insurance schemes taking shape: New Vision (Kampala) - September 28, 2005; Charles Bwogi; Health insurance is taking shape in Uganda again after a decade, a development experts think will make private healthcare affordable to many. A new government legislation and private players are reviving the scheme, which collapsed with Pan World Insurance Company about seven years ago. Health insurance policies a
300 children test HIV-positive in Gulu: New Vision (Kampala) - September 27, 2005; Odwong W'Ayo; Three hundred children out of the 700 who were recently tested for HIV/AIDS in Gulu were found positive, the medical officer at Gulu regional referral hospital, Dr. Geoffery Openy-thoo, has said. Openythoo said this on Saturday at a workshop organised by Health Alert Uganda , an NGO operating in Gulu district. He s
Muslims want sex education in schools: New Vision (Kampala) - September 27, 2005; Mariam Nalunkuuma; Muslim leaders want sexual reproductive health education in Muslim-founded schools, writes Mariam Nalunkuuma. The leaders, led by Uganda Muslim Supreme Council sharia director Sheikh Mahdi Kakooza, said, To fight HIV/AIDS among the youth, sexual reproductive health education should be introduced in our schools. Ka
Should schools issue condoms?: New Vision (Kampala) - September 26, 2005; Irene Nabusoba; THE change in Uganda s anti-HIV/AIDS campaign strategy to emphasise abstinence, particularly among students, has drawn criticisms from a cross section of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and other international agencies and human rights groups. Critics say the three-pronged approach of Abstinence, Be faithful and
Bishop advises against hugging: New Vision (Kampala) - September 26, 2005; Joel Ogwang; MUKONO Diocese Bishop Eriya Paul Luzinda has cautioned girls and married women against hugging men after church services. Some of these men are not interested in just hugging you, but seducing you. Before you realise it, you have already fallen prey to them, he said. He urged youth, especially girls, to abstain from pr
Muhwezi in Geneva over Global Fund: New Vision (Kampala) - September 26, 2005; Felix Osike and Ben Mugisha; The Global Fund International Board meets this week in Geneva, Switzerland to review the suspension of AIDS grants to Uganda . Health minister Maj. Gen. Jim Muhwezi, who left for Geneva on Friday, is expected to defend Uganda s position at the board s 11th meeting due on September 28-30. The Global Fund to fight AI
AG to probe Global Fund — Mukula: New Vision (Kampala) - September 26, 2005; Nicholas Kajoba; THE Government has asked the Auditor General (AG) to carry out inquiries into the Global Fund on HIV/AIDs, TB and Malaria. Health state minister Mike Mukula said this showed that the government was transparent and would punish the culprits. Mukula was on Friday closing a two-day workshop on recruitment guidelines for h
US Congressman endorses kisanja: New Vision (Kampala) - September 23, 2005; Henry Mukasa; THE US Congressional caucus on Uganda chief, Chris Smith, has backed the removal of presidential term limits, describing it as free democratic practice, reports Henry Mukasa. Smith, a member of President George Bush s Republican Party representing New Jersey, made the remarks while chairing a caucus meeting that hosted
Norwegian MPs visit Mbarara: New Vision (Kampala) - September 23, 2005; Raymond Baguma; THREE Norwegian MPs have visited Mbarara to study the sexual and reproductive health issues among youth in the district, reports Raymond Baguma. The head of the delegation, Britt Hildeng, said they wanted to increase their focus on Africa. We are in Mbarara to see what is needed. The study tour has been informative. We
Straight Talk project aids peer educators in Gulu: New Vision (Kampala) - September 23, 2005; Justin Moro; GULU Youth Centre (GYC), one of Straight Talk Foundation s projects, recently donated 30 bicycles to peer educators in Gulu district during a colourful function, reports Justin Moro. The centre manager, Dennis Kibwola, said over 200 peer educators had been trained in the three displaced people s camps of Pabbo, Bobi an
400 vow to keep virginity: New Vision (Kampala) - September 23, 2005; Isaac Kalembe; OVER 400 youth from Uganda and the United States have vowed to remain virgins till marriage. A State House statement said the youth made the resolution at a balokole (born-again Christians) function at Capitol Hill, the seat of the American government, on Tuesday. President Yoweri Museveni, who was chief guest, adv
Nile Breweries gets AIDS centre: New Vision (Kampala) - September 22, 2005; Esther Mukyala; US ambassador Jimmy Kolker has described as irresponsible people who mismanaged the Global fund, leading to its suspension in Uganda . He, however, hoped the fund would be quickly reinstated to help people living with HIV/AIDS access ARV drugs. He urged people to join hands in fighting the epidemic. Authorities sh
Jim Muhwezi, the survivor: New Vision (Kampala) - September 22, 2005; Joshua Kato; Maj. Gen. Jim Muhwezi was censured in 1998 over abuse of office, writes Joshua Kato. He bounced back as minister. Members of Parliament are now baying for his blood over mismanagement of the Global Fund for AIDS. Will he survive this time round? Maj. Gen. Jim Muhwezi is like the legendary cowboy. A cowboy never dies. I
Museveni wants Kony extradited: New Vision (Kampala) - September 21, 2005; Alfred Wasike; UGANDA is to demand for the immediate extradition of rebel leader Joseph Kony and the remnants of his Lord s Resistance Army who recently crossed from Sudan into the Democratic Republic of Congo. President Yoweri Museveni said this yesterday while meeting two former US ambassadors to Ug
Human resource development is our priority: New Vision (Kampala) - September 21, 2005; President Yoweri Museveni is in New York for the 60th UN General Assembly and UN Millenium Review Summit. Last Friday, he addressed the High-Level Plenary Meeting of the UN General Assembly. Below is his speech I greet all of you on behalf of the people of Uganda . We salute this assembly for agreeing on the Millennium
Health talk: New Vision (Kampala) - September 21, 2005; Regional lab opens FORT PORTAL - US has provided over $200m (sh350bn) to Uganda to rapidly expand HIV/AIDS programs for prevention, care and treatment programs during the 2004/05 financial year. Ms Margot Ellis, Director of United States Agency for International Development (USAID) was opening the Regional Laboratory C
Sloppy probe will help culprits flee: New Vision (Kampala) - September 19, 2005; Paul Busharizi, New Vision Business Editor; The damning report on how the Global fund monies for AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria was mismanaged, has triggered a set of actions that have further lowered the perception of this country and dented some hard earned reputations. A probe by the government into the allegations contained in accounting firm, Pricewaterhous
Global fund probe goes to upcountry NGOs: New Vision (Kampala) - September 19, 2005; THE commission investigating the mismanagement of the Global Fund on AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria will this week probe grassroot NGOs which received the money, writes Vision Reporter. The five-member commission, headed by Principal Judge James Ogoola, will split into five teams, each heading for a particular region,
Pass bi-laws: New Vision (Kampala) - September 19, 2005; Jovita Mirembe; The commissioner for Secondary Education Yusuf Nsubuga has urged community leaders to establish bi-laws, which prevent holidaymakers from going to video halls. He said during holidays, many youth get addicted to watching pornography in video halls and engage in risky behaviour that can lead to HIV/AIDS. When the youth
Abstinence talks generate mixed feelings: New Vision (Kampala) - September 19, 2005; Rogers Okwany; THE abstinence campaign at Mengo Secondary School recently generated a heated debate among students as to whether abstinence was a reality. The campaign organised by Power Fm under the theme Is abstinence a reality saw most students saying abstinence was the surest way to stay safe from HIV/AIDS and other sexually tran
Condoms still key to AIDS fight: New Vision (Kampala) - September 16, 2005; Alfred Wasike; TO emphasise condoms as central to Uganda s HIV/AIDS strategy, the Government is to import 154 million condoms in the next two months. The health ministry says HIV/AIDS prevalence in Uganda is at 7%. In this regard, 60 million condoms have been circulated in the country. This represents a six-month consumption. A consi
President appeals to UN on kids: New Vision (Kampala) - September 16, 2005; PRESIDENT Yoweri Museveni has asked UNICEF to mobilise funds for post-primary education of HIV/AIDS orphans, writes Vision Reporter. Museveni made the appeal on Wednesday while meeting the executive director of the UN children s agency, Ann Veneman, who called on him at Uganda House in New York. The President is in
Mildmay stops ARVs to new clients: New Vision (Kampala) - September 16, 2005; Patrick Jaramogi; MILDMAY Centre has stopped distributing antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) to new clients, citing lack of funds following the withdrawal of the Global Fund grants, reports Patrick Jaramogi. The centre, located on Entebbe Road, provides HIV/AIDS care and training. Mildmay out-going director Derrick Atkins on Wednesday said, A
Know more about ARVs: New Vision (Kampala) - September 14, 2005; Hilary Bainemigisha; ARVs are Anti-Retro Viral drugs and the treatment is Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART). How do they work? According to Dr Lilliane Nabiddo of Mildmay Centre, the immune system of the body has CD4 cells, which are like soldiers defending a country. HIV is an enemy, which attacks the body and eats up the soldiers (CD4 cells)
No more HIV in my blood: New Vision (Kampala) - September 14, 2005; Elvis Basudde; YOUR viral load is zero. It means you no longer have the HIV virus in your blood. The drugs have cleared it. This is the best result, Dr Godfrey Kabuye of the Joint Clinical Research Centre (JCRC) announced. This was the greatest news I have ever received. I was diagnosed with HIV virus three years ago and subsequentl
Displaced persons ignorant about HIV: New Vision (Kampala) - September 14, 2005; Patrick Okino; FIFTY percent of internally displaced persons in Lira district have no knowledge about HIV/-AIDS, the parliamentary public accounts committee has revealed. A preliminary report read to Lira district officials and stakeholders of HIV/AIDS at the district chamber on Saturday indicated that the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the di
USRA set for HIV/Aids Open: New Vision (Kampala) - September 14, 2005; Phillip Corry; DEFENDING champion Ahmed Khuram will put his title on line when the HIV/AIDS squash open gets underway on Monday at Kampala Club. The second edition of the event was launched yesterday in Kampala by Uganda Squash Rackets Association (USRA) vice chairman Gus Lusiba and Guenter Schroeter, chief technical advisor, Program
Health Talk: New Vision (Kampala) - September 14, 2005; Drug reinstated INTERNATIONAL - The World Health Organisation (WHO) has reinstated seven generic antiretroviral (ARV) drugs that had previously been removed from the list of pre-qualified medicines. It has also approved three new types of ARV drugs for use in the treatment against HIV/AIDS. The generic drugs, which are
Commissioner advises people living with HIV: New Vision (Kampala) - September 13, 2005; Nathan Etengu; CIVIL servants who have suffered discrimination based on their HIV/AIDS status should channel their complaints to the respective permanent secretaries, the commissioner for secondary education, Yusuf Nsubuga, has said. Nsubuga said discrimination of employees living with HIV/AIDS was rampant at the lower levels of admi
VP calls for HIV vaccine: New Vision (Kampala) - September 13, 2005; Despite the decline in HIV/AIDS prevalence rates in Uganda and other African countries, the epidemic remains a serious burden and the best measure to avert more human disasters is a vaccine, the Vice-President has said. Prof. Gilbert Bukenya, in Montreal, Canada , where he delivered a key note address on
Govt may not ban Engabu: New Vision (Kampala) - September 13, 2005; Isaac Kalembe; THE Government may not ban Engabu condoms despite the health ministry s decision to recall batches of defective condoms of the brand, an official has said. About 30 million Engabu condoms have been tested and found to be good. We shall have to convince the public to use them. It s only the batches containing defective
TASO trains leaders: New Vision (Kampala) - September 13, 2005; Cornes Lubangakene; THE AIDS Support Organisation (TASO) Gulu regional centre has embarked on training district stakeholders on HIV/AIDS as part of their advocacy activities at the centre. At least 30 religious leaders, cultural leaders and the business communities have received training. The regional TASO manager northern, David Wakoko,
Ugandan girl to address US Congress: New Vision (Kampala) - September 12, 2005; Alfred Wasike; TWELVE-year-old Josephine Nabukenya, who is living with HIV/AIDS, will today address the United States Congress and implore the legislators and other government officials to do more to help children living with AIDS grow up like other children. Ashley Wolfington, the spokesperson of Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foun
Mildmay Home Goes Upcountry: New Vision (Kampala) - September 10, 2005; Ayiga Ondoga, Kampala; MILDMAY Interna-tional Jajja s Children Home, an HIV/AIDS care and education project, has extended its services to five up-country districts. The vice-president Mildmay International, Ruth Sims, said her organisation received sh236m in the first batch and sh941 in the second from the Global Fund, since the inception of
Teachers Ask for HIV/Aids Component: New Vision (Kampala) - September 10, 2005; Anne Mugisa, Kampala; TEACHERS unions from Uganda , Kenya , Tanzania and Ethiopia want their respective governments to integrate HIV/AIDS education in their education curricula. They said in Uganda, the biggest impact of HIV/AIDS, second to the military, is among teachers.
Uganda will achieve MDGs, says minister Musumba: New Vision (Kampala) - September 10, 2005; Ricks Kayizzi; UGANDA is the only country in the east African region set to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDG), the finance state minister, Isaac Musumba, said on Thursday. Launching the 2005 Human Development Report at the Sheraton Kampala Hotel, Musumba said having jumped two places to 144th position in the global ranki
Pastor chased from burial: New Vision (Kampala) - September 10, 2005; Herbert Masaba; A funeral recently turned into drama when a pastor only identified as Robert, was chased away by mourners in Napulu, Mbale district. Robert was accused of abandoning his mission and abusing the deceased. Clad in a white tunic and brown shoes, the pastor who looked every inch, a man of God, delved into the sermon as if
Global Fund probe team sworn in: New Vision (Kampala) - September 8, 2005; Henry Mukasa; THE commission of inquiry which President Yoweri Museveni appointed to probe the mismanagement of the Global Fund money to fight AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria was yesterday sworn-in to start its work. The acting Chief Registrar of the courts of Judicature, Lawrence Gidudu, administered the oath at a function held at S
UMA launches HIV/AIDS policy: New Vision (Kampala) - September 8, 2005; Moses Nampala; THE Uganda Manufacturers Association (UMA) has started coordinating HIV education programmes for employees of its member firms. Over sh50m needed for the facilitation of the programme will be provided by the Global fund. UMA programme consultant Joseph Kyalimpa said, the programme is intended to remind the member firms
'Abolish tax on condoms': New Vision (Kampala) - September 7, 2005; Flavia Nakagwa and Jennifer Austin; AIDS advocacy groups on Friday demanded the abolition of taxes on condoms and urged the government to ensure that they were affordable. Beatrice Weere from Action aid said the added cost and accessibility engenders serious ramifications on the HIV/AIDS prevention policy and the Government s attitude towards it. Joseph
Diplomats meet Mukula on AIDS funds: New Vision (Kampala) - September 6, 2005; Emmy Allio; The health ministry yesterday briefed envoys accredited to Uganda on steps the government had taken on the Global Fund saga. State minister Capt. Mike Mukula and top ministry officials met the envoys at the ministry headquarters. The envoys were led by the European Union envoy, Illing Sigurd. Present was Royal Dani
People living with HIV lack health facilities: New Vision (Kampala) - September 6, 2005; Frederick Kiwanuka; PEOPLE living with HIV/AIDS in Luweero district have complained that health workers put them on ARV treatment without considering their cell count because there are no cell count facilities in the district, writes Frederick Kiwanuka. They said at a workshop in Luweero last week that those who still looked healthy were
Condom demand rises: New Vision (Kampala) - September 6, 2005; Following a sharp increase in the use of condoms, the health ministry is distributing 20 million emergency condoms, state minister Capt. Mike Mukula has said. He said the ministry had increased annual condom importation from 80 million to 120 million to meet the increasing demand. The country is not short of condoms. D
100 kids starve in Kyenjojo orphanage: New Vision (Kampala) - September 6, 2005; Bizimungu Kisakye; OVER 100 children orphaned by HIV/AIDS are starving at an orphanage in Katooke sub-county, Kyenjojo district, reports Bizimungu Kisakye. These were the findings of a 17-man delegation that included pastors and youth from a UK-based Church, Eagle Christian Fellowship, on Saturday, when they visited the area to evaluate
MUK students demonstrate: New Vision (Kampala) - September 5, 2005; Godfrey Kimono; HUNDREDS of makerere University students on Friday went to the streets to support abstinence in the fight against HIV/AIDS. They protested against claims of a condom crisis in Uganda made by Stephen Lewis of the UN special envoy on AIDS to Africa. The march, led by Pastor Martin Ssempa, started from the university main
HIV/AIDS eating up tourism industry: New Vision (Kampala) - September 5, 2005; Patrick Jaramogi; THE tourism industry is particularly vulnerable to HIV/AIDS because of its unique and important service to the people, tourism state minister Jovino Ayumu, said recently, writes Patrick Jaramogi. Leisure and accommodation is a very important and equally risk prone service especially as regards to the spread of HIV/AIDS
AIDS groups to sue govt over condoms: New Vision (Kampala) - September 3, 2005; Jennifer Austin and Flavia Nakagwa; AIDS advocacy groups have threatened to sue the government if it does not release the 30 million condoms in storage for sale or donation, by the end of September. Speaking at a press conference at the Regency Hotel in Kampala, the Coalition for Health Promotion and Social Development (HEPS) legal adviser for human righ
Kids lack access to ARVs in west: New Vision (Kampala) - September 2, 2005; Bizimungu Kisakye; Children infected with HIV/AIDS have not accessed health services and ARVs due to lack of qualified staff in Kabarole, Kyenjojo, Kasese and Bundibugyo districts, Save the Children in Uganda has established. The report showed that service providers lacked counselling skills, Charles Wabwire, a Save the Children official
Global Fund probe to last one month: New Vision (Kampala) - September 2, 2005; Alfred Wasike; The judicial commission of inquiry into alleged mismanagement of the Global Fund on AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis is to investigate and publicise its findings within a month. The Government has said in spite of last week s suspension of the funds to Uganda , the supply of critical antiretroviral (ARVs) drugs, condoms
Mukula tips youth on HIV: New Vision (Kampala) - September 2, 2005; HEALTH state minister Capt. Mike Mukula has advised students in east Africa to say no to sex until they are married or use condoms only if they cannot abstain, reports Kyomuhendo Muhanga. Our East African stand in the fight against HIV/AIDS is apparently ‘abstain, be faithful or use a condom (ABC) . Understand the poli
Lead anti-AIDS drive, scribes told: New Vision (Kampala) - September 2, 2005; Fred Ouma; THE media has been challenged to lead the fight against HIV/AIDS by reaching out and educating the masses using simple language. The director of research and policy development at the Uganda AIDS Commission, John Rwomushana, said journalists should translate the incomprehensible issues about HIV/AIDS into simple langua
Malicious propaganda surrounds Global Fund: New Vision (Kampala) - September 2, 2005; THERE is a big fuss being kicked by all and sundry over the suspension of donor money to fight HIV/Aids, Tuberculosis, and Malaria by the UN s Global Fund, because of alleged mismanagement, corruption, fraud, poor accountability, and incompetence. It is indisputable that Uganda needs donor support, and irrespective of
Global Fund May Be Reinstated - Chief: New Vision (Kampala) - September 1, 2005; GLOBAL Fund Chief of Operations Herbert Bradford has said he is confident that the management of the funds can still be brought back on track, reports Mary Karugaba. Bradford said that explains why the funds were suspended and not cancelled as was the case with Ukraine . Meeting MPs at Parliament yesterday, Bradford, a
Global Funds accounts frozen: New Vision (Kampala) - September 1, 2005; Felix Osike; THE Government has frozen the Global Fund accounts in Stanbic and dfcu banks until investigations into the suspended AIDS grants are over. Bradford Herbert, the Global Fund chief of operations, told a press conference at the end of his two-day visit that the government had stopped all the payments from the Global Fund
Army to make ARVs: New Vision (Kampala) - September 1, 2005; Anne Mugisa; The army pharmaceutical company under the National Executive corporation (NEC) is to manufacture generic drugs. NEC managing director Lt. Col. Fred Mwesigye said the manufacture, which will begin with non-injectable anti-retroviral drugs (ARVs), will start in December this year. He said the company would later manufact
TASO to support Arua Hospital: New Vision (Kampala) - September 1, 2005; Frank Mugabi; The Aids Support Organisation (TASO) has signed a memorandum of understanding with Arua regional referral hospital to work together to enhance HIV/AIDS services in the district. The two-year arrangement that ends in June 2007 was effected on Saturday. The hospital superintendent, Dr. Charles Olaro, project coordinator
Global fund probe arrives: New Vision (Kampala) - August 31, 2005; Felix Osike; A probe team from the Geneva-based Global Fund on AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria arrived yesterday and held a series of meetings with government officials to review conditions for resumption of AIDS grants suspended last week. The team was led by Bradford Herbert, the Fund s Chief of Operations. He is accompanied by Kr
Global Fund Stories Unfair: New Vision (Kampala) - August 30, 2005; THE Global Fund to Fight Aids, Tuberculosis and Malaria last week suspended its two year $200 million programme for Uganda . Last weekend Sunday Vision exclusively revealed details of the audit report about mismanagement by the Project Management Unit in the Ministry of Health that led to the suspension. However th
Ogoola to Probe Global Fund Scam: New Vision (Kampala) - August 30, 2005; James Odong, Kampala; THE Government yesterday announced a four-member team to probe the alleged mismanagement of the Global Fund aid to Uganda by the project management unit (PMU) of the ministry of health. Principal Judge Justice James Ogoola heads the inquiry, whose other members are the Central Bank governor, Tumusime Mutebile, former C
Health Bosses in Crisis Meet As Children ARVs Run Out: New Vision (Kampala) - August 30, 2005; Felix Osike, Kampala; AS investigations into the mismanagement of the Global Fund grants on AIDS continue, Uganda s stock of anti-retroviral drugs for children has run out, Ministry of Health officials have said. A crisis meeting of all health ministry heads of department and health state minister Mike Mukula was convened yesterday to discu
Limited ARVs step up child deaths: New Vision (Kampala) - August 30, 2005; Isaac Kalembe; INABILITY to access antiretroviral therapy (ART) treatment is partly responsible for the high mortality rate among children infected with HIV/IDS in Uganda , a report has said. The report presented at the recently-concluded Third International AIDS Society Conference on HIV Treatment and Pathogenesis in Rio de Janeiro,
Global Fund Cuts Hailed: New Vision (Kampala) - August 28, 2005; Cyprian Musoke, Kampala; ANTI-CORRUPTION Coalition Uganda (ACCU) has hailed the suspension of the Global Fund grants to fight AIDS, malaria and TB in Uganda, saying that it will help Uganda shape up in her use of the money. Addressing a press conference at their Kamwokya headquarters on Friday, the group s co-ordinator, Geoffrey Rwakabaale, sa
Global Fund Report Details: New Vision (Kampala) - August 28, 2005; Henry Mukasa and David Mukholi, Kampala; LAST week, the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria suspended grants to Uganda after a probe revealed gross mismanagement of its funds. The funds, accessed through the Ministry of Finance, are disbursed through the Project Management Unit (PMU) in the Ministry of Health. The Sunday Vision can now rev
ARVs Supply Assured - Muhwezi: New Vision (Kampala) - August 27, 2005; Mariam Nalunkuuma, Kampala; THE suspension of the Global fund grants on Aids, malaria and tuberculosis will not halt the supply of antiretroviral (ARVs) drugs and condoms, Parliament heard yesterday. The public and Aids patients should not be alarmed over the suspension of these grants. The suspension is temporary and in the meantime, the supply
EDITORIAL: Bear Down On Corruption: New Vision (Kampala) - August 26, 2005; THE Geneva-based Global Fund to fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria has suspended grants worth billions of shillings to Uganda after an audit into the management of earlier monies came under suspicion. The fund said there was evidence of inappropriate expenditure and improper accounting a euphemism for corruption, in
Govt to probe Global Fund mess: New Vision (Kampala) - August 26, 2005; Fortunate Ahimbisibwe and Anne Mugisa; THE government is to conduct an independent probe into the mismanagement of the Global Fund grants on Aids, Malaria and Tuberculosis, the health minister said yesterday. During the weekly press briefing yesterday, Maj. Gen. Muhwezi said, The Government has decided to conduct its own investigation to find out if the fun
1,000 IDPs die weekly - report: New Vision (Kampala) - August 26, 2005; Isaac Kalembe; ONE thousand IDPs die every week in the Acholi sub-region, a preliminary analysis undertaken by the Government, UN agencies and NGOs said recently. Disaster preparedness state minister Christine Amongin Aporu told journalists at Entebbe Airport on Tuesday that malaria, HIV/AIDS and violence were the leading causes of d
Parliament to probe AIDS funds: New Vision (Kampala) - August 26, 2005; Paul Kiwuuwa; PARLIAMENT is to probe the alleged mismanagement of HIV/AIDS funds that led to suspension of the Global fund support to Uganda . The committee on HIV/AIDS, would probe the alleged mismanagement of the funds, the chairperson, Dr. Eliode Tumwesigye (Shema North), said, as he appealed to the public to remain calm. Rep
Buturo cautions on AIDS: New Vision (Kampala) - August 26, 2005; Dan Nsalasatta; Although Uganda has proved that it is championing the fight against HIV/AIDS, the challenge remains until the infection rate has dropped to zero, the information state minister has said. Dr. Nsaba Buturo was opening the 33rd Joint Clinical Research Centre clinic at Kisoro Hospital. He cautioned the Bafumbira that t
Global AIDS funding to Uganda suspended: New Vision (Kampala) - August 24, 2005; The Geneva-based Global Fund to fight Aids, tuberculosis and malaria has suspended its grants to Uganda after an investigation uncovered evidence of serious mismanagement of funds. The investigation by the organisation s local fund agent (LFA), the business services firm PwC, found a string of problems with the grants,
NGO takes HIV/AIDS campaign to sports: New Vision (Kampala) - August 25, 2005; Douglas Mazune; LUTHERAN World Federation (LWS), a Non Governmental Organisation (NGO) in Sembabule has stretched its HIV/AIDS awareness to the ongoing crowd pulling Masaza Cup. Flyers with HIV/AIDS awareness messages are distributed at matches and training sessions that normally attract big numbers of youth out of school. Videos with
Heifer Project donates exotic cattle to Mbale: New Vision (Kampala) - August 25, 2005; Nathan Etengu; HEIFER Project International (HPI) is to provide 20 exotic cows and 310 pigs to clients at The AIDS Support Organisation (TASO), Mbale, the centre manager has said. Dr. Jonathan Wangisi said HPI would also provide 600 local goats and 180 oxen for animal traction to the 708 clients. He said the livestock would be provid
TB vaccine failing worldwide: New Vision (Kampala) - August 24, 2005; Denis Ocwich; GLOBAL health scientists are back in the laboratories after the tuberculosis (TB) vaccine appears to be having little success. The vaccine is expected to protect children from contracting the disease later in life. The BCG vaccine, (named after French researchers Albert Calmette and Camille Guerin), was first tested in
Health Talk: New Vision (Kampala) - August 24, 2005; Link HIV and TB KAMPALA - The Ministry of Health is planning to establish a communication strategy with the objective of improving service delivery and treatment of Tuberculosis (TB) and HIV. Assistant commissioner for Health Services, Alex Opio, said this strategy is expected to bring a radical change that will tackle
Goat meat flavour high: New Vision (Kampala) - August 24, 2005; Ronald Kalyango; GOATs milk has a higher calcium and phosphorus content than cow s milk. Besides, the milk has a big supply of Vitamin A. This is according to the goat production manual released by the National Agricultural Advisory Services (NAADS) secretariat. Goat milk has 3% protein just like the cow s, 3.8% fats while cows have 3.
World Vision gives out sewing machines: New Vision (Kampala) - August 23, 2005; Ali Mambule; WORLD Vision, uganda has donated 20 sewing machines worth sh3m to people who tested for HIV/AIDS. The beneficiaries tested for the virus under Kaliisizo post-test club and got training in different fields, including tailoring. The training is to help them fight redundancy, which could lead them into sexual activities.
US NGO facilitates people living with AIDS: New Vision (Kampala) - August 20, 2005; Dismus Buregyeya; US-based Aids Health Care Foundation (AHF) president Michael Weinstein has offered 500 bicycles for people living with AIDS accessing free ARV drugs at the Uganda Cares Clinic at Masaka Regional Referral hospital. Weinstein said plans were underway to provide a bus to ease transport for people living with AIDS on antir
Crown Agents gives sh1.7m: New Vision (Kampala) - August 20, 2005; Patrick Jaramogi; CROWN Agents has donated £350 (about sh1.176m) to Reach Out Mbuya Parish HIV/AIDS Initiative. Lydia Babinaga, the procurement manager, handed over the money to The Reach Out project director, Fr. Joseph Archette Tuesday. Crown Agents acting country director Uganda , Frank Brandford attended. This donation was rais
Health Talk: New Vision (Kampala) - August 17, 2005; HIV/AIDS drug fails USA - Gilead Sciences Inc. has announced that the active ingredients of an experimental HIV pill that combined Truvada with Bristol-Myers Squibb s Sustiva were not absorbed in the same way as the ingredients given separate
Visiting the bush linked to HIV: New Vision (Kampala) - August 16, 2005; Jude Etyang and Carol Natukunda; Every coin has two sides. In some cultures in Uganda , the practice of pulling or stretching a woman s labia minora (the inner lobes of the vagina just below the clitoris) is highly cherished. But recent research findings have revealed that the practice, believed to enhance women s sexuality is actually risky. The repo
Hope for HIV affected children in Els: New Vision (Kampala) - August 13, 2005; Simon Naulele; THE words Amecet n ainapakin (shelter of peace), inscribed on the gate, invite you to the home for children aged below six who are infected or affected by HIV/AIDS. It is about 500m from the heart of Soroti town, along Lira Road. Unless you go through that gate, you will not know what goes on at the home. The place see
Govt plans new AIDS strategy for north: New Vision (Kampala) - August 13, 2005; Felix Oketcho; THE Government is drafting a special Aids strategic plan to address the spread of HIV/AIDS in northern Uganda . The Aids control Programme executive director, Dr. Elizabeth Madra, said the strategy would involve NGOs, the Ministry of health and donors. She said the strategy would include coordination of activities carr
Petro starts AIDS campaign: New Vision (Kampala) - August 13, 2005; James Odomel; PETRO has started a nation-wide HIV/AIDS sensitisation campaign, the general manager, Ahmed Ladha, has said. Ladha said the programme aims at sensitising employees and the public about how to avoid getting infected with and spreading HIV/AIDS. He said the programme also aims at helping infected workers live positively
US$1b needed for ARVs: New Vision (Kampala) - August 13, 2005; Kyetume Kasanga; THE government needs at least US$1b (about sh1.8 trillion) to procure antiretroviral (ARV) drugs and supplies for HIV/AIDS clients in the next five years, the Uganda AIDS Control Project (ACP) has said. The project planner, David Kawesa, said this was inevitable due to the increasing need for such care. He said ACP had
Moroto gets sh230m: New Vision (Kampala) - August 13, 2005; THE United Nations Children s Fund (UNICEF) has given Moroto district over sh230m to support health and education and promote the welfare of Karimojong children, reports Joseph Orisa. This was disclosed by the Moroto assistant chief administrative officer in charge of UNICEF programmes, Moses Kapolon, in a meeting with
Tibaleka's untold story: New Vision (Kampala) - August 12, 2005; Elvis Basudde; The atmosphere is quiet and tense. Guests settle down. They are here to tell their stories. Sad, moving and intriguing stories. Mrs. Lukwiya, widow of the late Dr. Matthew Lukwiya, who died of the Ebola disease at St. Mary s Hospital Lacor in Gulu, is narrating how her husband died. She is crying. The host is crying to
Health talk: New Vision (Kampala) - August 10, 2005; Africa s joint center CAIRO - African nations have agreed to create a joint centre in Cairo, Egypt , to fight infectious diseases afflicting the continent. Health ministers approved the plan at the June Cairo conference. The centre will monitor and control infectious diseases by acting as a communications hub for infor
Corridors Of Power: New Vision (Kampala) - August 10, 2005; They said it: Lukyamuzi was against Bujagali Dam and when there is no power, he attacks the minister and leads people to protest. What nonsense! I don’t stand that nonsense, Premier Apolo Nsibambi lashing out at the MP at an energy conference in Entebbe. If you know that your husband sleeps with other women, ask him to
LC: Women seen yet not heard: New Vision (Kampala) - August 9, 2005; Alice Emasu; YOU should have seen them. They came from far and near, some riding on bicycles. They arrived like homing pigeons anxious not only to listen but also to tell their story on the political transition in Uganda . They were mainly women councillors and community leaders. When they began to talk, it was difficult to stop th
TB on the rise in Gulu: New Vision (Kampala) - August 6, 2005; Cornes Lubangakene; THERE is a high rate of tuberculosis (TB) in Gulu with an average of 150 cases registered in a month, the district TB and leprosy supervisor, John Opwonya, has said. Opwonya was on Wednesday presenting a paper on TB at a workshop for 30 journalists and radio presenters at Rainbow Inn in Gulu town. The workshop, organis
Germany pledges on health care: New Vision (Kampala) - August 4, 2005; Emmanuel Kajubu; In a speech read by the head of the German Development Cooperation (GTZ) in Uganda , Dr. Annette Windmeisser, Muehlen said through the cooperation between Uganda and Germany , rural areas had got health centers leading to a reduction of communicable diseases like malaria, tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS. This was during
Breast-feeding still remains the best: New Vision (Kampala) - August 3, 2005; Herbert Mugarura; YOU just need to walk to any of these super markets around town to appreciate the confusion our mothers are faced with. Convincing, tantalising and well displayed infant milk substitutes, infant foods and feeding bottles may make many consider weaning their children. Modern girls are also increasingly opting to breast-
Feeding a child when you are HIV-positive: New Vision (Kampala) - August 3, 2005; Aidah Nanyonjo; WHILE breast-feeding is essential for child health, breast-feeding by HIV infected mothers significantly increases the incidence of HIV infection among infants. According to the April issue of AIDS, breast-feeding causes nearly 40% of all paediatric HIV infections. Dr. Nathan Tumwesigye, a paediatric HIV/AIDS training
Divorce adulterous men - health official: New Vision (Kampala) - August 3, 2005; Ebenezer Bifubyeka; THE commissioner for planning in the ministry of health, Dr. Francis Mwesigye Runumi, has urged women to divorce unfaithful husbands who refuse to go for HIV tests. If you know that your husband sleeps with other women, ask him to go for an HIV test. If he refuses, divorce him for your sake and for that of your childre
Health Talk: New Vision (Kampala) - August 3, 2005; Butabika wants change NATIONAL -- Recently, an insane person beat up five patients at Butabika Hospital, leaving one dead and four injured, forcing the hospital to appeal to the Ministry of Internal Affairs to restore the forensic unit that allows them handle such patients. Dr. James Walugembe, the hospital deputy dire
Bikers solicit for AIDS funds: New Vision (Kampala) - August 3, 2005; Paul Ocen; THE Uganda Bikers Association (UBA) has mobilised resources to provide assistance to HIV/AIDS patients. Health state minister Cap. Mike Mukula, the UBA Patron, on Sunday said the bikers organised events to raise awareness about the epidemic in Uganda and Rwanda . He was speaking at Shoprite Lugogo while
NGOs get AIDS funds: New Vision (Kampala) - August 3, 2005; Ebenezer Bifubyeka; THE health ministry has given sh17.7b to NGOs to facilitate the fight against HIV/AIDS and malaria, the commissioner for health services has said. Dr. Francis Mwesigye Runumi said this financial year, the health ministry would give financial support to NGOs as indispensable partners in health service delivery. Addressi
How ARVs Work: New Vision (Kampala) - August 2, 2005; Antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) have transformed HIV infection from a death sentence to a manageable, chronic disorder for patients in the west. But most people in the developing world still do not have access to them. The World Health Organisation had hoped to have three million people on Aids drugs by the end of 2005, bu
UAC blocks HIV beauty contest: New Vision (Kampala) - July 29, 2005; Joyce Namutebi; The Uganda AIDS Commission (UAC) has stopped the organisers of the Miss HIV beauty pageant scheduled for today at Sabrina s Pub in Kampala from holding the contest. The commission has summoned members of The Uganda Students AIDS Prevention Association to clarify on the matter. In a statement issued yesterday, the d
Sebatta warns of Kilimanjaro: New Vision (Kampala) - July 29, 2005; Elvis Basudde; Celebrated folk music composer, Lord Fred Sebatta, is hitting unprecedented heights with new hot releases. Before the storm is over for Teriba Ddogo album, which he released early this year, he has emerged yet again with another hot album, Kilimanjaro. Nobody who hears this new album can refuse to praise Sebatta for th
OPINION: Miss HIV Contest is Sheer Madness: New Vision (Kampala) - July 29, 2005; Something did not sit well with me when I saw and read about Botswana s third Miss HIV-Stigma a few months ago. Now a copycat in Uganda has decided to adopt this pink elephant project. Having been in this AIDS prevention work for the last 17 years, I am totally dismayed at how politically correct Aids has become to t
Health Services Good - MSF Chief: New Vision (Kampala) - July 28, 2005; Timothy Makokha, Kampala; THE outgoing Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) Head of Mission, Isabelle Voiret, has hailed Uganda for keeping high standards of health services. Compared to other countries I have worked in, Uganda has exhibited high levels of medical standards. There are healthcare facilities in almost all the districts and majority of
Government Probes Abuse of Prostitutes: New Vision (Kampala) - July 28, 2005; Jude Etyang, Kampala; THE Government is investigating the abuse of prostitutes and is closing in on a man who makes the sex workers sleep with his dogs, the gender minister said yesterday. Jude Etyang reports that Zoe Bakoko Bakoru said the man, who lives in Kampala, would be arrested soon. We have access to the girls, soon we shall arrest
ARVs: Two Pills Are As Good As Six: New Vision (Kampala) - July 27, 2005; Timothy Makokha, Kampala; An Aids patient can take two Anti-Retroviral (ARV) pills a day and still get the same value as the one who takes six. Those who are on six pills are taking the brand name drugs, which are produced by companies that have a patent on the medicines. They are expensive but original. Some other companies have been allowed t
'Illiteracy Bars Development': New Vision (Kampala) - July 26, 2005; Wilfred Sanya, Kampala; EDUCATION minister namirembe Bitamazire has decried the high illiteracy rate in Uganda , saying it has hindered the public to keep abreast with the on-going developmental programmes. Bitamazire said HIV/AIDS had greatly affected ugandans, among them teachers who would help to reduce on the high illiteracy rate. She
Circus made in Ethiopia: New Vision (Kampala) - July 25, 2005; Anouk Batard; THE slender body, with bones clearly showing, is forced into cranky movements. And with each movement, a bone can be heard cracking. He does not break down, but smiles. Must be enjoying the contortions. And that is only a titbit of what Circus Ethiopia presented at the National theatre last Wednesday. No wonder the aud
Cops Form HIV/Aids Club: New Vision (Kampala) - July 23, 2005; Samuel Okiror, Kampala; KIRA Road, Kawempe and Wandegeya police stations in Kampala have formed an HIV/AIDS post-test club, the Kira road police community liaison officer has said. Assistant Superint-endent of Police Patrick Karamura said, The club is to sensitise officers, their families and relatives on HIV/AIDS and carry out free voluntary
Test for HIV - Janet: New Vision (Kampala) - July 21, 2005; Joyce Namutebi and Madinah Tebajjukira; First Lady Janet Museveni has urged the public to go for HIV testing to establish their status and protect themselves accordingly. She said it was important to go for testing so that if you know you have no disease, you do everything possible to ensure you don t get it . She was on Tuesday opening the
Virgins to get free varsity education: New Vision (Kampala) - July 20, 2005; Kibuuka Lumu; GIRLS from Kayunga district will earn themselves free university education for keeping their virginity. Bbaale county MP Sulayiman Madaada has pledged to pay university fees for all senior six female students who are virgins in the district. He said he would ask health workers to examine and certify all the virgins to
Uganda Achieves ARV Target Earlier: New Vision (Kampala) - July 20, 2005; Fred Ouma, Kampala; Uganda has achieved the universal access target for anti-retroviral therapy (ART) six months ahead of the 2005 schedule. The ministry of health said 64,024 were accessing the therapy, adding that this was more than the government target of 60,000 patients on treatment by the end of 2005. About 120,000 people living w
ARVs Locked Up in Stores: New Vision (Kampala) - July 19, 2005; David Musengere, Kampala; Although the health ministry released anti-retroviral drugs (ARVs) to Busia district two months ago, they are still in the stores. The district director of health services, Dr. Oundo Bwire, said the ARVs were released after the district had passed its 2004/05 financial year budget and as such, the component for treatme
Lira passes budget: New Vision (Kampala) - July 18, 2005; Lira district has approved a budget estimate of sh38.4b for the 2005/2006 financial year, reports Alex Ocen. The budget showed an increase of 14% compared to the last financial year which was at sh33b. The expenditure budget presided over by the district speaker, William Onyanga, was held on Wednesday at the district c
64,000 Get Free ARVs: New Vision (Kampala) - July 16, 2005; Richard Komakech, Kampala; OVER 64,000 Ugandans are accessing free anti-retroviral therapy (ART), the World Health Organisation (WHO) has said. WHO said the number of people reached represents more than half of the estimated figure, adding that this is a big achievement for the Government. WHO said an estimated 120,000 people living with HIV/AID
Casual Sex Reducing, Says Dr. Okware: New Vision (Kampala) - July 16, 2005; Charles Ariko, Kampala; There is a decline in casual sex by 60%, the commissioner in-charge of health services, Dr. Sam Okware, said yesterday. Okware attributed the decline to the sustained ABC strategy used by the Ministry of Health and the Uganda Aids Commission to fight the spread of the virus. ABC stands for Abstinence, Being faithful a
'Involve lesbians in AIDS struggle': New Vision (Kampala) - July 15, 2005; Fred Ouma; THE fight against HIV/AIDS will not succeed if it discriminates against certain members of the community. Maj. Rubaramira ruranga, the executive director of the National Guidance and Empowerment network of People Living with HIV/AIDS (NGEN+), said many lesbians and homosexuals in Uganda were infected but were not t
OPINION: Developing HIV vaccine is a collective responsibility: New Vision (Kampala) - July 15, 2005; Timothy Makokha, tmakokha@newvision.co.ug; WHEN Dr Edward Jenner, a British doctor, predicted the eradication of smallpox in 1798, it took more than two centuries to prove him right. There has never been anything as lethal as smallpox in history. A deadly and virulent disease, smallpox was perceived as the grim reaper himself. From China , smallpox qu
Who will be crowned Miss HIV?: New Vision (Kampala) - July 14, 2005; Elvis Basudde; THE greatest event to happen in Kampala this month is the first ever beauty pageant for people living with HIV. Fifteen contestants have confirmed their participation: I cannot wait for the D-Day. I am extremely excited to be a contestant in this pageant. We have to de-stigmatise the community about HIV/AIDS, says Flor
Miss HIV contestants: Gloria Kisubi, 26: New Vision (Kampala) - July 14, 2005; AN artist, tested HIV positive in 1998. She is on ARVs, but she says her coping has been due to a combination of factors, including positive living, social and spiritual support. She takes care of herself. She makes sure she gets prompt medication and eats a balanced diet. She has also stopped worrying about death, whi
Miss HIV contestants: Florence Kawesa, 27: New Vision (Kampala) - July 14, 2005; TESTED HIV positive in 1995. She is a student and an artist. She is on ARVs. In 2003 she joined Taso Mulago Drama group where she acquired skills in public speaking. She has reached out to communities to share her life experience to other people and helped them know the benefits of Voluntary Counseling and Testing.
Miss HIV contestants:Sylvia Nakibuule, 26.: New Vision (Kampala) - July 14, 2005; CAME to know her HIV status in 2000. She is not on ARVs. She says at first, the news of her HIV status, was terrifying. It was terrible time for her and she wanted to die. Then she thought, I m still alive. I must try to make the best of my situation. I opened up with a few close friends about my situation. I started l
Miss HIV contestants: Prossy Nanyanzii, 27: New Vision (Kampala) - July 14, 2005; SHE is pursuing a Diploma in social work at Nsamizi Institute of Social Development. She tested HIV positive in 2000 and is on ARVs. She says it is everyone s responsibility to take an HIV test. She says she tries to be as active as she can. She tries to keep on working and she enjoys being at her work place, where she
Miss HIV contestants: Josephine Were, 27: New Vision (Kampala) - July 14, 2005; TESTED HIV positive in 1998. She was prompted to test due to peer pressure. She was in a group of young girls during their vacation and her friends suggested that they go for an HIV test. She says her conception about the dreaded disease changed. She no longer looked at an HIV positive diagnosis as being synonymous wit
Miss HIV contestants: Christine Mulongo, 26: New Vision (Kampala) - July 14, 2005; CAME to know her HIV positive status in 2003. She says the only positive thing she can say about her condition is that it has given her a chance to be a friend of God and many people. I know God s steadfast love as it is written in Isaiah 43.1-5. A person living with HIV is still the same person that needs to feel resp
Miss HIV contestants: Jackie Bogere, 25: New Vision (Kampala) - July 14, 2005; THE contest will give us an opportunity to come together and share how HIV has affected our lives as well as discuss how the community can play an active role in mitigating the epidemic. Jackie, who is a first year student of cosmetology at Mega School of Beauty in Munyonyo, tested HIV positive in 2002. She says she ha
Govt probes ghost widows: New Vision (Kampala) - July 13, 2005; Dismus Buregyeya; THE Government is investigating the reported ghost widows and orphans in the World Bank-funded Community-led HIV/AIDS Initiative (CHAI) projects. A senior official in the Uganda HIV/AIDS control project, Henry Kityo, said this on Thursday at a seminar for community development officers at Bwala Social Centre, Masaka.
Alcohol causes 30% of mental disorders: New Vision (Kampala) - July 13, 2005; Chris Kiwawulo; About a third of the patients in Butabika Hospital have mental disorders resulting from excessive use of alcohol, a report on drug abuse said. A survey by Youth AID- Uganda said substance abuse, especially alcoholism, caused many mental disorders and was responsible for many deaths. In 1991, a clinical study by Dr
Museveni on HIV, condoms and abstinence: New Vision (Kampala) - July 12, 2005; Recently, President Yoweri Museveni featured on BBC programme Talking Point discussing various issues pertaining to the country s social, economic and political situation, with Wooldridge as the moderator of the programme. Following are Museveni s views on condom use and abstinence: Mike Wooldridge: Let s turn to an is
Delayed marriage irks doctors: New Vision (Kampala) - July 11, 2005; Charles Ariko; FEW people now marry below the age of 30, a trend which medical workers describe as dangerous for childbearing mothers in that age bracket. Dr. Zainabu Akol, national coordinator for HIV testing and counselling, on Saturday said more young people were postponing marriage because they had got used to living without part
Keep Lights On During Sex, Says Soroti Medical Officer: New Vision (Kampala) - July 10, 2005; HAVING sex in the dark could be harmful to your health. At least according to the Soroti District Medical Officer, Dr. Nicholas Okwana. Robert Okello writes that Okwana last week urged the Iteso to desist from the cultural tendency to have sex in darkness. He was speaking at a workshop on Soroti District s strategic HI
Janet Advises On Aids Messages: New Vision (Kampala) - July 9, 2005; Isaac Kalembe, Kampala; Stakeholders in the fight against HIV/AIDS should package their messages in a non-contradictory manner and make them less confusing to the youth, the First Lady has said. Janet Museveni said messages focused on behavioural change caused the rapid fall in HIV/AIDS prevalence rates in the 1980s and 90s from 30%, which ha
$78,000 Spent On Condom Testing: New Vision (Kampala) - July 9, 2005; Anne Mugisa, Kampala; Uganda spends about $78,000 (sh134.9m) every year on re-testing imported condoms, the Director General of the Uganda AIDS Commission said on Wednesday. Dr. Kihumuro Apuuli said the condoms are sent out to one of the best labs in the US before they are brought back for release to the public. Kihumuro told journali
HIV could wipe out fishing communities: New Vision (Kampala) - July 7, 2005; Timothy Makokha; AT the time when Uganda is making great feats against AIDS, fishermen are not part of the good news. Charlotte Howard, an epidemiologist with Uganda AIDS Commission, said HIV prevalence among fishermen is three times higher than the national average. She was addressing a workshop on Reducing the impact of HIV/AIDS on
AIDS body chief raps politicians: New Vision (Kampala) - July 7, 2005; The Uganda AIDS Commission has said neither it, nor the fight against HIV/AIDS should be involved in politics, reports Anne Mugisa. HIV/AIDS has not had and does not want disagreements based on political liaisons because everybody in this country is affected by the disease, UAC Director General Dr. Kihumuro Apuuli said
Arsenal bash due July 23: New Vision (Kampala) - July 7, 2005; Paul Mbuga; ARSENAL fans in Uganda will hold an emphatic bash on July 23 at Kyadondo Rugby Club to celebrate their team s FA Cup triumph. Aside from watching acclaimed local performers Chameleone, Bebe Cool, Ragga Dee, Emperor Orlando, Juliana and Bobi Wine, fans will get a chance to win several items offered by sponsors MTN, Bell
Youth ill-advised on sex, says Janet: New Vision (Kampala) - July 6, 2005; Isaac Kalembe; THE First Lady, Janet Museveni (right), has criticised anti-AIDS campaigners who ill-advise the youth on sex. What s important is for young people to abstain from sex. Premarital sex is wrong. They should not open the door to HIV/AIDS, she said yesterday. Speaking at the launch of Rock Point 256 anti-AIDS radio drama p
Men failing condom drive: New Vision (Kampala) - July 6, 2005; Anouk Batard and Fred Ouma; MEN are the main propagators of the HIV epidemic because they do not use condoms and shun voluntary counselling and testing (VCT), a new study has revealed. The survey conducted in the seven high-risk districts of Sembabule, Mpigi, Kiboga, Kayunga, Nakasongola, Kalangala and Kampala shows that 82% respondents, mostly m
HIV: Don't ignore homosexuals: New Vision (Kampala) - July 6, 2005; Paul Semugoma; HE was young: in his mid 20s, medium height and unremarkable. He had recently been diagnosed HIV-positive. We talked, took tests and discussed the results. And then, he told me he was a homosexual. But he was a healthy young man. How would he stop his lovers from getting HIV? I did not know. Paul Semugoma writes THE li
Cosmetics won't heal facial warts: New Vision (Kampala) - July 5, 2005; Titus Serunjogi; Ordinary creams may clear the face of pimples, but not warts. These tiny, hardened projections of the skin can be overcome through use of natural recipes, as well as proper hygiene. Warts result from rapid cell growth on points of the skin. A single wart contains millions of cells all compressed together. Pimples, on t
Straight Talk urges on information: New Vision (Kampala) - July 5, 2005; Bizimungu Kisakye; LACK of adequate relevant information has contributed to the high levels of pregnancy and early marriages amongst the youth, the senior project officer, Straight Talk Foundation (STF), has said. Jerolam Omach said the youth were exposed to information that instead misinformed them about their sexual reproductive health
I had to tell my husband I was HIV positive: New Vision (Kampala) - July 5, 2005; Denis Ocwich; ESTHER Tibasiima will never forget May 16, 2000 when she confidently strolled into Mulago Hospital for a maternity check-up. She was six months pregnant and physically fit. I was told to take an HIV/AIDS test, which turned out positive, Tibasiima recalls. I panicked! I thought I would die, she says. It took her time to
Reports on AIDS funds anger health ministry: New Vision (Kampala) - July 1, 2005; HEALTH ministry officials are furious about allegations that the Government is diverting money from the Global Fund on AIDS/HIV, Malaria and TB to support political activities, reports Alfred Wasike. We need to be patriotic. Grants to Uganda amounting to US$201m over two years have been signed, with a provision of an a
AIDS prevalence rate worries Janet: New Vision (Kampala) - July 1, 2005; Jude Etyang; FIRST Lady Janet Museveni on Wednesday launched a $15m (about sh26b) AIDS fund for the youth, worrying that the HIV prevalence rate among Ugandans had stagnated at 6% for over a decade. I have noted with a lot of concern that the prevalence rate has for a long time stagnated at about 6%. This is still high. We need to
World Bank calls for fairer trade: New Vision (Kampala) - July 1, 2005; Sylvia Juuko; THE world s rich countries should offer more trade opportunities and debt relief if Sub-Saharan Africa s poor are to progress towards their Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), a World Bank annual report has said. The report, African Development Indicators 2005, shows that while debt relief and economic growth are incr
Jim Muhwezi denies AIDS funds diversion: New Vision (Kampala) - June 30, 2005; Isaac Kalembe; HEALTH minister Jim Muhwezi has denied claims that the government is diverting funds meant for fighting HIV/AIDS to politics. I have never and will never allow any money intended for AIDS to be used for politics. The money is for saving our people s lives. What was written in the press recently will be clarified soon,
Australia NGO gives to Kayunga: New Vision (Kampala) - June 30, 2005; Kibuuka Lumu; VULNERABLE groups in Kayunga district recently received relief items worth sh700m from Mission World Aid International, an Australia Christian NGO. The donation included 150 bales of used clothes, 3,000 blankets, 60 wheel-chairs, scholastic materials, baby toys and games equipment, 150 walking sticks, house utensils an
Indian firm donates sh100m drugs to Uganda: New Vision (Kampala) - June 30, 2005; AN Indian pharmaceutical company has donated drugs worth sh25m to Uganda , reports Isaac Kalembe. Emare Pharmaceutical Ltd director of operations A. K. Khanna handed over the drugs to the First Lady, Janet Museveni, at her Kololo office on Friday, a State House statement said. Mrs. Museveni thanked Emare for acceptin
Ssekandi Urges MPs to Initiate HIV Bills: New Vision (Kampala) - June 28, 2005; Mariam Nalunkuuma, Kampala; Parliament Speaker Edward Ssekandi has asked MPs to initiate Bills and motions protecting and promoting rights of people living with HIV. He said it was MP s duty to ensure that human rights principles in the international human rights instruments are integrated into national laws. It s unfortunate that people living w
Don't Divert HIV Funds - Mungerera: New Vision (Kampala) - June 28, 2005; Flavia Nakagwa, Kampala; THE Global AIDS fund money should not be diverted from the health ministry without the consent of people living with HIV/AIDS, activists have said. We oppose any unjustified and undemocratic changes and decisions regarding the Global AIDS fund administration without our consent, Dr. Lydia Mungerera said as she read out
Bikers aid Mbuya orphans: New Vision (Kampala) - June 27, 2005; ORPHANS from Mbuya Catholic Church Parish on Saturday received a sh700,000 donation for school fees, reports Charles Ariko. The Uganda Bikers Association raised the money through a charitable ride in March to support the Reach Out Mbuya Parish HIV/AIDS Initiative. The project is catering for 487 orphans. The bikers are
Mbale gets AIDS training: New Vision (Kampala) - June 25, 2005; Joshua Khatiya, and Prossy Nandudu; MEDICAL personnel in Mbale district have undergone training in administration of Chinese traditional medicine to treat HIV/AIDS symptoms. A licensed acupuncturist and director of Pan African Acupuncturist Project, Richard Mandell, recently said, The training was meant to equip healthcare providers with skills to resolv
Janet tips on AIDS control: New Vision (Kampala) - June 25, 2005; Fortunate Ahimbisibwe; THE First Lady, Janet Museveni, has asked teachers to emphasise self-control in the fight against HIV/Aids. Mrs. Museveni said youth were more vulnerable to HIV, a state house statement said on Saturday. She asked teachers to pass on life-saving messages to the students regularly. Janet urged teachers to refer to Chris
Six out of 10 women raped – UNICEF: New Vision (Kampala) - June 25, 2005; A UNICEF commissioned study on sexual and gender-based violence reveals rape and child sexual abuse has become normal in Pabbo IDP Camp. It is the biggest camp in the north with over 67, 000 people (48,000 women and children). The study revealed six out of 10 women have suffered, 70% of girls below 18 are victims. But
UK Aid Agency Gives Africa 1m Pounds: New Vision (Kampala) - June 25, 2005; Isaac Kalembe, Kampala; COMIC Relief, a UK-based NGO, has offered one million pounds (about sh3b) to fight HIV/AIDS in Africa, an official has said. Richard Graham was addressing journalists at the Muyenga-based National Community of Women Living with HIV/AIDS in Uganda (NACWOLA) headquarters on Tuesday. He said the gesture was in appreci
Chamber of commerce to assist orphans: New Vision (Kampala) - June 23, 2005; Patrick Munyani; THE Uganda National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (UNCCI) will assist Gaba Fish Suppliers raise funds for over 150 orphans who have lost their parents to HIV/AIDS, writes Patrick Munyani. UNCCI s Kampala director Adyeri Omara said, HIV/AIDS has greatly affected the fishing industry because many people have died and
Kasese launches condom crusade: New Vision (Kampala) - June 23, 2005; John Nzinjah; AN Israeli construction company, SBI international Holdings and Kilembe Mines Hospital, have launched a joint campaign to curb the spread of HIV/AIDS in Kasese district. John Nzinjah reports that on Saturday, pupils marched through Kasese town with anti-HIV/AIDS placards as part of the campaign. The deputy resident dis
UK singer on AIDS campaign: New Vision (Kampala) - June 22, 2005; Isaac Kalembe; RENOWNED Scottish singer and music writer Annie Lennox has enlisted her support in the fight against HIV/AIDS, by sensitising the public against the disease. I can be a bridge, a voice in the fight against HIV/AIDS. The disease is an invisible enemy that needs total confrontation. We ve got to start talking about it an
Kolker tours the east: New Vision (Kampala) - June 22, 2005; US Ambassador Jimmy Kolker on Friday visited two eastern community-based projects supporting people living with HIV/AIDS. The projects are supported by the US embassy s Community Grant for HIV/AIDS programme. In Tororo, Kolker inaugurated a groundnut farming activity designed to improve the health of people living with
Makubuya tips on approaches to fight HIV/AIDS: New Vision (Kampala) - June 21, 2005; Patrick Munyani; BEING open about one’s HIV/AIDS status is the best approach to fight HIV/AIDS, the justice and constitutional affairs minister has said. Dr Khiddu Makubuya said, People living with HIV/AIDS should be congratulated and praised for coming out in the open to declare that they have a problem. You should resist stigma and s
Intensify HIV/AIDS awareness — Paralympics: New Vision (Kampala) - June 21, 2005; Samson Opus; THE East Africa Paralympics Committee (EAPC) has called for government support in their efforts to intensify HIV/AIDS awareness through games and sports. The call was made at the end of a two-day regional workshop at Tal Cottages in Rubaga over the weekend, reports Samson Opus. We believe sport is the best vehicle to c
Drug-resistant TB finds way to the US: New Vision (Kampala) - June 21, 2005; Immigrants may be steadily taking new cases of drug-resistant tuberculosis into the United States , hampering efforts to eradicate the deadly infection, researchers said recently. A special issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association focusing on TB, showed the need for global control of the ancient disease
Ministry Told: New Vision (Kampala) - June 20, 2005; The health ministry should ensure a steady supply of anti-retroviral (ARVs) drugs, the district co-ordinator for people living with HIV/AIDS has said. Israel Kabaliga Balinda said the current supply of ARVs at Mubende hospital HIV/AIDS clinic could cover only 30 patients, out of over 100.
23,000 children orphaned by HIV/AIDS in Kasese – probation: New Vision (Kampala) - June 20, 2005; John Thawite; Over 23,000 children are orphaned by HIV/AIDS and armed conflicts in Kasese, the district probation officer has said, writes John Thawite. Zerubaberi Thembo Mbauta said this on Thursday at a joint district planning meeting at the Rwenzori International Hotel in Kamaiba, Kasese town. The meeting was co-chaired by the LC
Two million orphans expected in 2010