Uganda Records 34,000 New HIV Infections as UAC Warns of Rising Infections Among Young Women
Uganda has recorded approximately 34,000 new HIV infections in 2025, with young people accounting for 38% of the cases. The Uganda AIDS Commission (UAC) has warned that persistent infections among adolescent girls and young women threaten the country’s ambition to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.
The figures were presented on November 3, 2026, during a press briefing to launch the 2026 National HIV and AIDS Symposium.
According to the latest national HIV estimates, Uganda has approximately 1.567 million people living with HIV, including 71,000 children aged below 15 years. Adult HIV prevalence stands at 5.9%.
Young Women Bear the Greatest Burden
Young people aged 15–24 account for approximately 13,000 new infections, representing 38% of the national total. Young women contribute 77% of these infections, highlighting a significant gender gap.
Overall, women account for 66.3% of adults living with HIV, compared with 33.7% for men.
The statistics also reveal significant geographical disparities. Fort Portal City records an alarming HIV prevalence of 16.7%, followed by Kalangala at 12.1% and Kabarole at 10.7%.
Other regions with elevated prevalence include southwestern Uganda at 8%, South Buganda at 7.3% and North Buganda at 7.2%.
Uganda Makes Progress Towards 95-95-95 Targets
Despite the worrying trends, Uganda has registered substantial progress in HIV treatment and management.
The country has reduced HIV prevalence from approximately 18% in the 1980s to 5.9%. New infections have also declined by 64% since 2010.
According to the 2025 estimates, 85.3% of adults living with HIV know their status. Of these, 99.1% are receiving antiretroviral treatment, while 96.5% have achieved viral suppression.
However, UAC Board Chairperson Canon Dr Ruth Senyonyi warned that prevention remains a major challenge.
She said the symposium would help identify gaps through scientific research, policy discussions and evidence-based interventions.
Three-Day Symposium to Drive HIV Response
UAC will host the 2026 National HIV and AIDS Symposium from November 16 to 18 at Mbarara University of Science and Technology’s Pharmacology Grounds.
Held under the theme “Sustainable Interventions to End AIDS as a Public Health Threat by 2030,” the event will bring together researchers, policymakers, development partners and civil society organisations.
The programme will feature the Annual Joint AIDS Review, scientific meeting, HIV financing dialogue and Philly Lutaaya Memorial Day.
Minister for the Presidency Hon. Milly Babalanda will serve as chief guest, while MUST Vice Chancellor Professor Pauline Byakika-Kibwika will deliver the keynote address.
Domestic Financing Takes Centre Stage
The symposium will also address declining donor financing and the need for sustainable domestic funding.
UAC Acting Director General said Uganda must strengthen institutional coordination and domestic resource mobilisation to sustain HIV programmes.
He noted that President Yoweri Museveni’s 2017 Presidential Fast-Track Initiative remains central to achieving the 2030 target.
The symposium will also precede World AIDS Day activities, including the final AIDS Marathon at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds on November 29.
The organisers have urged Ugandans to participate physically or virtually through nhas.uac.go.ug.
