HOIMA Uganda — The discovery of oil in Bunyoro has long been seen as a gateway to economic transformation. However, the Uganda AIDS Commission (UAC) warns that it is also fueling a worrying surge in HIV prevalence.
Hoima City now has the highest infection rate in the country at 9.6%, followed by Masindi at 6.1%, both surpassing the national average of 5.1%.
Oil and Infrastructure Boom Driving Infections
Local leaders attribute the rise in HIV cases to rapid population growth spurred by oil exploration and massive infrastructure projects, including the construction of Kabalega International Airport and Hoima Stadium.
These projects have attracted thousands of migrant workers, increasing demand for sex work and other high-risk behaviors.
Badru Mugabi, the Hoima City Resident Commissioner, highlighted the influx of people working on the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) and other projects.
“We have over 700 EACOP staff working in Hoima, along with 1,500 oil and gas workers staying in hotels. Many engage in risky sexual behaviors, spreading HIV to the local population,” he said.
The Uganda AIDS Commission’s 2023 report shows that Uganda has 1,492,000 people living with HIV, with women accounting for 910,000. New infections continue at 38,000 annually, translating to 104 new cases daily.
Key Risk Factors Behind the Surge
Dr. Zepher Karyabakabo, Director of Policy Research at the UAC, outlined the primary factors behind the region’s high infection rates:
- Transactional sex and multiple partners
- Low condom use and limited male circumcision
- Alcohol and drug abuse
- Complacency due to the availability of antiretroviral therapy (ART)
“We are seeing particularly high transmission rates among female sex workers (33%), fishers (23%), and prisoners (15%),” Karyabakabo explained. “Men who inject drugs account for 8% of cases, while male-to-male HIV transmission is at 13%.”
Prevention and Intervention Measures
In response, authorities and NGOs are ramping up interventions, including increased distribution of condoms in hotels and high-risk areas. Hoima City Mayor Brian Kaboyo urged residents to take precautions.
“We are distributing condoms across the city, but people must also take responsibility—get tested and practice safe sex,” he said.
The Uganda AIDS Commission also warned of a looming crisis in antiretroviral drug supply, with stockpiles expected to run out by September 2025.
“Government is working on solutions, but if restrictions on global funding persist, drug costs could rise beyond affordability,” Dr. Karyabakabo cautioned.
Call for Collective Action
With Uganda committed to ending HIV transmission by 2030, experts stress the need for multi-sector involvement.
Religious, cultural, and political leaders must intensify awareness campaigns to counteract the impact of the oil-driven population boom.
“We can only fight this epidemic if all stakeholders—government, NGOs, and local leaders—unite in action,” Karyabakabo emphasized.
As oil development accelerates in Bunyoro, the challenge remains: Can economic progress coexist with public health safety?
The answer lies in urgent, sustained efforts to curb the HIV crisis in Uganda’s oil heartland.
