Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2006. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
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New Vision (Kampala) - December 2, 2006
Mariam Nalunkuuma
Sarah Nyombi (Ntenjeru), Ruth Kavuma (Kalangala), Sauda Mugerwa (Masaka), Lubega Kaddunabbi (Butambala), Elioda Tumwesigye (Sheema North), Hanifa Kawooya (Sembamule) and Olive Wonekha (Mbale) took the brave step of being counselled and tested for HIV/AIDS. They urged the public to follow their example.
Tumwesigye, the HIV/AIDS committee chairperson, said testing was essential to protect one's partner.
He noted that the 53% increase in the number of discordant couples (couples in which only one of the partners is HIV positive) is one of reasons behind the increase in HIV rates in the country in recent years, after a dramatic decline in the 1990s.
The Speaker of Parliament, Edward Ssekandi, said other factors behind the increase included the erratic use of condoms and the reckless engagement of Ugandans in sexual activities because they know anti retroviral drugs are now available.
He expressed concern that the rates had gone up, particularly in rural fishing communities, and called for a more intensive campaign against the pandemic at the grassroots level.
"There should be voluntary HIV/AIDS testing and counselling at village level," he said.
Ssekandi also noted that there was a link between domestic violence and HIV/AIDS, urging for the repackaging and reintroduction of the Domestic Relations Bill. The controversial bill was rejected four times, mainly by male MPs and the Muslim community.
"Many people have attributed the prevalence rates to domestic violence in families and thus the need for such a law. Unfortunately, it was presented as a law for women. So the activists of the Domestic Relations Bell need to repackage it and have it passed," he said.
The Speaker condemned those who grab the property of people living with HIV/AIDS as well as orphaned children.
He also warned on the mismanagement of HIV/AIDS funds, calling upon Parliament to establish a strong monitoring mechanism to ensure proper utilisation of funds.
"Civil society organisations should work together with Parliament to expose any corrupt tendencies in the management of HIV/AIDS funds," Ssekandi said.
The chairperson of the coalition of HIV/AIDS organisations, Esther Kisakye, said she hoped the Domestic Violence Bill would be passed by next year's World Aids Day Commemoration.
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