Zombo, Uganda: The Zombo District Forum for People Living with HIV/AIDS is mourning the sudden death of its General Secretary, Charles Orwinya, who passed away on Friday, February 13, 2026, at Arua Regional Referral Hospital.
Orwinya, born July 8, 1962, was a respected expert client — a person living with HIV who provided peer support, adherence counselling and community education. He also served as LC I Chairperson for Kawa Cell, Central Ward, Paidha Town Council.
Beyond his grassroots leadership, Orwinya was the project coordinator for an Infectious Diseases Institute-funded initiative supporting people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIV) in Zombo District. In that role, he played a key part in strengthening antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence, psychosocial support and community mobilisation.
Collins Canudwoga, Chairperson of the Forum, described the loss as a major setback to the district’s HIV prevention and treatment efforts. “This is a big blow to our network and the broader PLHIV community in Zombo,” he said.
“We call on all leaders and members to step up and sustain the vital work Mr. Orwinya was leading, including peer education, stigma reduction and advocacy for improved access to HIV services.”
Fellow expert client Slot Richard Odaga from Padea Town Council remembered Orwinya as an exemplary team leader who inspired others through dedication and resilience.
Impact on HIV Response in Zombo
Orwinya is credited with mobilising approximately 46,281 individuals to test for HIV in recent years, with a reported positivity rate of 1.4 per cent.
District data further indicates that 8,916 people living with HIV are currently in care in Zombo, with an adherence rate of 89.4 per cent and viral load suppression standing at 87.6 per cent — milestones that local leaders attribute in part to his mobilisation and advocacy efforts.
His passing comes at a time when community networks remain central to Uganda’s broader goal of reducing new infections, improving treatment outcomes and eliminating stigma.
Orwinya will be laid to rest today, Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at his ancestral home in Uwiru Cell, Oturgang Ward, Paidha Town Council.
The forum has urged sustained community participation in HIV/AIDS programmes to honour his legacy and maintain momentum toward viral suppression targets in Zombo District.
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