A surge in HIV infections at Kyungu Health Centre III in Mukono District has sparked concern among health officials and lawmakers, casting doubt on Uganda’s ability to meet its ambitious goal of achieving an AIDS-free generation by 2030.
The alarming trend was brought to light during a monitoring visit by Mukono District Woman MP Hannifah Nabukeera, who revealed that the facility records up to five new HIV-positive cases daily.
“This is not just a statistic—it’s a serious wake-up call,” Nabukeera said. “If we keep seeing these numbers, we risk undoing decades of hard-earned progress.”
Kyungu Health Centre III serves eight surrounding villages and has seen a sharp rise in patient numbers, partly due to its location near multiple factories.
The mobile workforce, drawn from different regions, has contributed to the increase in sexually transmitted infections, including HIV.
Facility in-charge Alex Ninsiima attributed the rise in new infections to widespread complacency and limited awareness about HIV prevention.
“People must take personal responsibility,” Ninsiima said. “Know your status. Get tested. Use protection. The virus doesn’t discriminate.”
In response, the health centre has intensified its outreach programs targeting nearby factories and informal settlements, aiming to raise awareness, promote testing, and encourage behavioural change.
Still, the health centre faces critical infrastructure and resource challenges. Overcrowding has turned the maternity ward into a crisis zone, with men and women separated only by curtains. Staff are overstretched, and there’s limited storage space for essential supplies.
“The current setup is overstretched beyond capacity,” said Joyce Musoke, the centre’s chairperson. “We urgently need government support to acquire land and expand our facilities.”
Area councillor Rita Nandyose offered a glimmer of hope, noting that funds for expansion have been earmarked in the current financial year’s budget.
She called for swift implementation to relieve the burden on health workers and improve service delivery.
Dr. Anthony Konde, Mukono Municipality’s Health Officer, acknowledged the challenges facing Kyungu Health Centre. He pointed out that its recent upgrade from a Health Centre II to III had expanded its responsibilities significantly.
“We are working to deploy more staff, improve drug supply, and scale up community education around HIV,” Dr. Konde said.
With Uganda’s fight against HIV/AIDS now at a critical juncture, officials and community leaders are urging immediate action. Without urgent intervention, Kyungu’s rising infection rates could reflect a broader national backslide.
