Kasese Municipality Receives Shs 129 Million To Fight HIV/Aids

Kasese municipality through Alliance of Mayors initiative for Community Action on Aids at the Local Level [AMICAALL], has received a funding of Shs129 million from international civil society to build the capacity of the anti-aids club to sensitize communities in the district.

AMICAALL was initiated in November 2000 to build the institutional capacity of urban local governments to ensure quality, equitable and timely service delivery at the urban local level.

This is in line with Goal 4 of the National HIV/AIDS strategic plan 2007/08, 2011/12.

Whereas the HIV/Aids prevalence stands at 6.3% at national level, in Kasese district it is at 11% higher than the national rate.

According to AMICAAL report, HIV prevalence in urban centers is at 10% compared to 5.7% in rural areas. 

Martin Wanda, capacity building and advocacy officer says AMICAALL works in partnerships with TASO Uganda that has expertise as far as trainings for community theatre is concerned.

Annet Mutabazi, the municipal community development officer explained that AMICAALL project is targeting the most at risk population [MARP] which include commercial sex workers, boda boda riders, youth and long distance drivers among others.

Kasese Mayor Godfrey Kabyanga expressed fears that if nothing is done, the municipality would be no more in the near future.

According to Kabyanga, the project should not target MARPS only but the entire society since they also relate with the very people at high risk of contracting the virus.