Kyotera district is struggling with an HIV prevalence rate of 13.2 per cent, more than double the national average of 4.9 per cent, according to data from the Uganda AIDS Commission.
The district’s fishing communities, such as Kasensero, are particularly affected, with high-risk behaviours and limited access to healthcare contributing to the spread of the disease.
“Kyotera has hot spots of HIV and Kasensero landing site is one of them. We want these people to be aware of how to handle these diseases,” said Viola Nachwa, HIV-TB focal person at State House, during a recent health camp in the area.
The health camp provided screening, treatment, and referrals for HIV and other health issues, including malaria, hypertension, and women’s cancers.
Health workers are concerned about the high-risk behaviours of fishermen, who often resist condom use and have multiple sexual partners.
Gonzaga Muteesa, the in-charge at Kasensero HCII, noted that many fishermen rationalize that life in the lake itself is more perilous than contracting HIV.
A study in the area found an HIV prevalence of nearly 20% among youths (15-24 years), with female youths being disproportionately affected (25.9% vs 12% among males). To address this, sensitization campaigns are targeting men, promoting HIV testing, condom use, and responsible behavior. “Many men entice young women into sexual relations yet avoid testing and protective measures,” said Joanitah Kemigisha, head of Communication and Advocacy at Uganda AIDS Communication (UACOM).
Nationally, Uganda has made progress in reducing AIDS-related deaths (64% drop between 2010 and 2024) and new HIV infections (from 96,000 to 37,000 in 2024). The country is close to meeting the global 95-95-95 targets: 94% of people living with HIV know their status, 90% of those diagnosed are on antiretroviral therapy (ART), and 96% of those on ART are virally suppressed.
However, local hotspots like Kyotera require sustained outreach and targeted interventions to achieve the 2030 goal of ending AIDS as a public health threat. “The recent camp is a step in the right direction, but more regular community engagements are vital to transforming health outcomes locally,” said Dr. Edward Muwanga, Kyotera District Health Officer.
The health camp is part of efforts to address the high HIV prevalence in fishing communities, where mobile populations, limited health access, and transactional sex fuel persistent transmission.