By Patrick Opio
Senior Communications Officer
Lira University plans to establish the HIV & Aids Coordination Committee to supervise all activities relating to the control of the AIDS epidemic in the institution.
Speaking behalf of the University Secretary, Mr. Denis Opio Otema said the University Management will formulate the Aids Coordinating Committee to provide guidance on the step-by-step process to HIV and AIDS mainstreaming in programs and activities of the faculties and the departments. He was addressing a consultative meeting of Uganda Aids Commission (UAC) and the University teams respectively held at the Teaching Hospital Board Room on 21st October 2026.
Mr. Opio Otema, who chaired the meeting, said the University will ensure proper planning and coordination of AIDS control policy and programs mainstreamed in the annual budgets.
Ag. Dean of Students, Mr. James Bond Opok said the committee will increase awareness and knowledge on HIV and AIDS among the staff and the students. “With the Committee in place, we promise to reduce HIV and AIDS related stigma and discrimination at the university and in the students’ community,” Mr. Opok added.
Mr. Victor Rwengabo, UAC Zonal Coordinator, Northern Uganda, said HIV and Aids mainstreaming reduces HIV incidence, HIV related morbidity and mortality among the workforce and affected communities.
Mr. Rwengabo encouraged the University leadership to increase resource allocation and utilization for HIV and AIDS within the faculties for a sustainable HIV and AIDS financing. “The Budget Circular indicates at least 0.1% of the budget be allocated to HIV activities, let us adhere to this guideline,” he said.
Mr. Hillary Okello, HIV/AIDS Focal Person, Lira City, said UAC is mandated to formulate policy and establish program priorities for the control of the AIDS epidemic and management of its consequences throughout the country.
Mr. Okello explained “Mainstreaming” as the process that enables the University Management to address the causes and effects of HIV and AIDS in an effective and sustained manner, both through their usual work and within their workplace.
He said that HIV and AIDS present a severe risk to institutional stability by causing student dropouts and staff attrition, adding that Higher education institutions often struggle with a “culture of silence” driven by intense social stigma, making staff and students hesitant to access free testing or treatment. ” But Mainstreaming normalizes conversations surrounding sexual health,” he said.