Kasese Resident Judge, Hon. Justice David Makumbi (middle) receiving different awareness packages from HW Sempala (Deputy Inspector)
The Head of Circuit for Fort Portal, Hon. Justice Vincent Emmy Mugabo has commended the Judiciary HIV/AIDS Committee for their continued awareness sensitization in the quest to end HIV by 2030.
Hon. Justice Mugabo made these remarks on Tuesday April 26, 2024 while flagging off a Health Camp organized by the Committee where a cross-section of Staff of the Judiciary and key stakeholders turned up to participate in it.
He urged all those who had turned up for the Camp to take advantage of health screenings and tests offered at the Camp in order to make informed lifestyle decisions.
The Judge called on the Ministry of Health and its partners to ensure victims of sexual crimes, which are prevalent in the Circuit, access Post- Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP)."PEP is another important advancement in the fight against HIV. It is medication that if taken within 72 hours of possible exposure to HIV, can help prevent HIV infection. It's for use in emergency situations. PEP may be taken especially after sexual assault like rape and defilement."
HW Prossy Katushabe, the Registrar Judicial Training Institute and also a Member of the HIV Committee, in her remarks delivered on behalf of the Chairperson of the Committee, said the Judiciary committed to mainstreaming HIV and Aids activities in all its programmes. "...the Judiciary embarked on mainstreaming HIV and AIDS activities in all its programmes through health awareness camps, where the Judiciary undertakes sensitization of the staff and communities through media talk-shows, sharing of messages with a view to change behavior and sharing inspiring testimonies by people living with HIV & AIDS." She thanked the Judiciary management for always allocating funds for such activities.
The Deputy Resident City Commissioner of Fort Portal observed that the theme of the Camp, "Ending AIDS by 2030. Communities leading in HIV prevention and Care" was an ambitious target that called for concerted efforts of everyone in order to achieve it.
The Commissioner Human Resource, Ms Apophia N. Tumwine noted that the Judiciary has put in place an HIV and AIDS Workplace Policy providing for an enabling framework for the management of HIV and AIDS within the institution. She noted that the Judiciary has additionally put in place a Health Insurance scheme for all its Staff.
Mr Tom Etti, from the Uganda Aids Commission noted that Fort Portal City had recorded the highest prevalence rate at 17.8 per cent followed by Mbarara at 14.4 per cent. That notwithstanding, Mr Etti reported a decline in annual HIV/AIDS-related deaths from 48,000 in 2010 to 17,000 in 2022.
Fort Portal Deputy City Mayor, Ms Betty Mujungu urged Ministry of Health and its partners to consider utilizing social media platforms to disseminate information to young people and tech savvy adults about HIV.
At the Camp, Kasese Resident Judge, Hon. Justice David Makumbi handed over different awareness packages to the different participating courts. These included the HIV and AIDS Workplace Policy for the Judiciary, posters and brochures, condoms and dispensers.
There were also presentations from Dr John Omangino of the Uganda Heart Institute and Dr Elizabeth Kasirye from Ministry of Health.
The climax of the day's activities was a community outreach campaign conducted by members of the Judiciary HIV Committee.
The moderators for the Day was HW Daphne Ayebare, Magistrate Grade I Fort Portal and Principal Communications Officer, Ms Sheila Wamboga.
Posted 26th, March 2024
