President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has reiterated the importance of preventing HIV/AIDS infections, emphasizing that the disease limits the capacity of those infected.
“There are certain things that you cannot do when you are infected,” he said. “Like in the army, we discovered that when somebody over-exerts himself with the virus, it can cause a problem.”
President Museveni made these remarks during the World AIDS Day commemoration held at Bukungu Primary School, Bukungu Town Council, Buyende District.
AIDS, according to the President, is a problem caused by indiscipline. “When we analyzed when it was threatening us, we found that AIDS was just from three points,” he explained. “Number one was prostitution, number two was blood transfusion before we checked the blood of the givers, then number three was from mother to child transmission in the womb.”
The President also highlighted the progress made in preventing mother-to-child transmission of HIV. “But to show that it’s not really a serious disease, when you take the mother to child transmission, even without any intervention, we found out that only 30 percent would pass from mother to child even if the mother had the virus.”
President Museveni cautioned Ugandans against prostitution, saying it’s the main cause of HIV/AIDS infections. “You people please don’t keep playing around with this problem,” he advised. “Yes, the drugs are there to suppress the virus, but it’s not eliminated.”
The President also emphasized the importance of testing for HIV and starting treatment early. “Although it’s not what I prefer for you, it’s better than dying because if you live longer, you will be able to look after your children so by the time you leave this world, they are in a better position.”
In addition to prevention efforts, President Museveni also lauded the Ugandan researchers working towards finding a vaccine for HIV/AIDS. “There are even our children who are threatening to treat AIDS completely by killing the virus,” he said. “I’m going to support and fund them fully.”
The President also encouraged Ugandans to utilize their powers to hold their leaders accountable for effective service delivery. He emphasized the importance of wealth creation through commercial agriculture, particularly in the Busoga region.
The event was attended by various dignitaries, including the Vice President, H.E Jessica Alupo, and the Minister for Presidency, Hon. Babirye Milly Babalanda
