Mbarara to Host 2026 National HIV and AIDS Symposium as Uganda Charts Self-Sustaining Path Toward 2030 Goals
Kampala: The Uganda AIDS Commission (UAC), in partnership with the Ministry of Health and key research stakeholders, has officially launched the 2026 National HIV and AIDS Symposium (NHAS).
The high-level three-day gathering is scheduled to take place from November 16–18, 2026, at the Pharmacology Grounds of the Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST) in Boma, Mbarara City. Under the timely theme, "Sustainable Interventions to End AIDS as a Public Health Threat by 2030," the event aims to assemble policymakers, scientific researchers, health practitioners, and civil society leaders to secure the last mile of Uganda's epidemic control.
The official announcement was made during a national media briefing on November 3, 2026, led by Mr. Tom Etii, the Acting Director General of the UAC, alongside Canon Dr. Ruth Senyonyi, the UAC Board Chairperson.
The organizers confirmed that the Minister for the Presidency, Hon. Milly Babalanda, will grace the symposium as the Guest of Honor, while MUST Vice-Chancellor Prof. Pauline Byakika-Kibwika will deliver the keynote address.
A Record of Success Faced with Modern Hurdles:
Uganda’s multi-sectoral approach has long been praised globally as a model for fighting HIV and AIDS. According to the recently released Uganda Population-Based HIV and AIDS Survey (UPHIA 2025) report, national HIV prevalence has dropped dramatically from 18% in the 1980s to 5.9% today.
Furthermore, Uganda is among the few countries rapidly approaching the global 95-95-95 targets:
85.3% of Ugandans living with HIV know their status.
99.1% of those diagnosed are actively enrolled on life-saving antiretroviral treatment (ART).
96.5% of those on treatment have achieved viral load suppression.
Despite these landmark metrics, health officials warn that progress is uneven. High-risk urban hubs like Mbarara City, Fort Portal, Soroti City, and Lira City maintain prevalence rates well above the national average. More alarmingly, new infections remain unacceptably high, standing at 34,400 cases in 2025.
Young people aged 15–24 account for 38% (13,000) of those new infections, with adolescent girls and young women suffering disproportionately—accounting for 10,000 new cases, a rate nearly four times higher than their male peers.
Transitioning from Donor Aid to Domestic Financing:
A central focus of the 2026 symposium will be navigating severe external and donor financing shocks. To preserve essential health services, Uganda is prioritizing the development of an HIV Sustainability Roadmap.
The dedicated HIV Financing Dialogue at the symposium will gather proposals to transition the national response from a donor-dependent model to a self-sustaining, domestically funded healthcare framework, aligning with the fourth pillar of the Presidential Fast-Track Initiative launched by H.E. President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni in 2017.
Symposium Highlights and Scientific Horizons
The three-day program features a robust, multi-faceted agenda designed to review progress and push scientific boundaries:
Annual Joint AIDS Review (JAR): An accountability session evaluating national strategic interventions across prevention, care, and social support.
Scientific Meeting: Discussions built on over 120 peer-reviewed abstracts addressing the national HIV and AIDS research agenda.
Philly Lutaaya Memorial Day: A memorial lecture featuring keynote speaker Dr. Maggie Kigozi, honoring those who championed openness and fought stigma.
The HIV Cure Conversation: Led by UAC's new Research Division, a dedicated panel will demystify the socio-behavioral, ethical, and communication challenges encountered in emerging HIV cure sciences.
Paving the Way for World AIDS Day:
The symposium serves as a direct precursor to World AIDS Day. To build national momentum and awaken community awareness, a multi-city AIDS Marathon is being rolled out across 11 major cities.
Organized in partnership with TASO Uganda and Village Journeys Africa, the final leg of the marathon will take place at the Kololo Ceremonial Grounds in Kampala on November 29, 2026, starting at 6:00 AM, with the Minister of State for Energy and Mineral Development, Hon. Phiona Nyamutoro, serving as the Chief Runner. Marathon kits are available for purchase at 30,000 UGX using MoMo Code 42663810 or Airtel Pay Code 4406988.
Stakeholders, students, program implementers, and interested members of the public are encouraged to register for either virtual or physical attendance by visiting the official portal at nhas.uac.go.ug.
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