Zombo, Uganda: The Forum for People Living with HIV/AIDS in Zombo District has appealed to the Alur Kingdom to integrate voluntary HIV testing and counselling services into the upcoming 15th Coronation Anniversary celebrations of His Majesty Ubimu Phillip Rauni Olarker III, slated for Friday, October 31, 2025, at Kyambogo University Playground in Paidha Town Council.
The appeal solidifies the growing recognition of the Alur Kingdom as not only a custodian of cultural identity but also an influential platform for advancing community health and public awareness.
Addressing journalists at the forum’s offices along Arua Road in Paidha, Mr Collins Canudwoga, Chairperson of the Forum for People Living with HIV/AIDS in Zombo, said the coronation draws thousands from across Zombo, Nebbi, Pakwach, and even DR Congo, making it an ideal setting for large-scale HIV sensitisation.
“Ubimu anniversaries draw massive crowds from all clans and chiefdoms. We humbly request the kingdom to embed HIV testing and counselling within the festivities,” said Canudwoga.
“The fight against HIV requires unity, visibility, and community-led awareness. The Kingdom’s influence can make a real difference.”
Mr Charles Onyutha, Project Coordinator of the forum, emphasized that knowing one’s HIV status is a powerful step toward prevention and treatment. “When people know their status, they can protect themselves and others. It helps eliminate stigma — the fear of rejection, shame, and discrimination,” Onyutha said.
According to Uganda AIDS Commission (UAC) statistics, 60% of Ugandans living with HIV are unaware of their status, largely due to persistent stigma and misinformation.
Canudwoga noted that self-acceptance is crucial: “Once we embrace our status, we regain control over our lives and futures. Hiding in silence only worsens the problem.”
The Alur Kingdom recently rolled out 11 strategic interventions targeting HIV reduction, particularly across districts where prevalence remains relatively high — 4% in Zombo, 3% in Nebbi, and 3% in Pakwach.
Kingdom Leadership Responds
Mr. Vincent Orach Ocaya, Executive Director of the Alur Kingdom, echoed the forum’s call during a stakeholder engagement at the Kingdom Secretariat in Nebbi Municipality. “For three days, our people will converge in Paidha under the royal banner,” Orach said.
“Why not partner with the Uganda AIDS Commission, district health teams, and our Ministry of Health to offer voluntary testing in one central location?”
This proposal aligns with Uganda’s national HIV response strategy, which prioritizes case identification, treatment linkage, and prevention of mother-to-child transmission.
Dr. Stephen Watiti, Commissioner at the Uganda AIDS Commission, commended the Alur Kingdom for embracing health advocacy and urged it to intensify anti-stigma campaigns.
“Leverage every royal gathering — from Ubimu anniversaries to clan sports tournaments — to educate subjects about prevention and destigmatisation,” Watiti advised.
The Commission has encouraged cultural institutions nationwide to integrate HIV awareness into festivals, rituals, and sports, recognizing their unmatched power in mobilizing communities.
The Alur Kingdom has increasingly used cultural events such as inter-clan football tournaments to spread HIV prevention messages in the Alur language, helping break cultural taboos and normalize open discussions about sexual health.
Nationally, Uganda still faces a significant HIV burden, recording five new infections hourly, 711 weekly, and 37,000 annually, with an estimated 54 daily deaths from HIV-related complications.
Regional HIV prevalence currently stands at 2.3% in West Nile, 5.8% in Lango, 7% in Acholi, 6.3% in Ankole, and 7.5% in South Buganda, according to UAC data.
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