By Mike Rwothomio

The Forum for People Living with HIV/AIDS in Zombo District has appealed to the Alur Kingdom to incorporate voluntary HIV testing and counselling services during the 15th coronation anniversary of His Majesty Ubimu Phillip Rauni Olarker III, scheduled for Friday, 31 October, at Kyambogo University Playground in Paidha Town Council.

This proposed integration of health services into the Ubimu anniversary, according to the forum reflects the kingdom’s growing role as a custodian of both cultural heritage and public wellbeing.

The event is expected to attract thousands of Alur subjects from across the kingdom’s territories in Zombo, Nebbi, and Pakwach districts, DR Congo and beyond presenting a vital platform to combat HIV prevalence through community mobilisation.

Speaking to journalists at the forum’s offices along Arua Road in Paidha last week, forum chairperson Mr Collins Canudwoga urged kingdom authorities to seize the occasion for public health intervention.

“Ubimu anniversaries draw massive crowds from all clans and chiefdoms. We humbly request the kingdom to embed HIV testing and counselling within the festivities,” Canudwoga said, stressing the need for unified action to tackle the epidemic.

Charles Onyutha, project coordinator for the forum, underscored the value of status awareness: “Knowing one’s HIV status empowers individuals to protect themselves and others. It dismantles the fear rooted in stigma including anticipated rejection, internalised shame, and discrimination.”

National data from the Uganda AIDS Commission reveals that about 60% of Ugandans living with HIV are unaware of their status, largely due to persistent stigma.

Canudwoga added: “Once we embrace our status, we regain control over our lives and futures.”

The Alur Kingdom recently launched 11 strategic interventions to curb HIV across its domains, where prevalence stands at 4% in Zombo, 3% in Nebbi, and 3% in Pakwach.

Mr Vincent Orach Ocaya, Executive Director of the Alur Kingdom, echoed the call during a stakeholder engagement at the kingdom secretariat in Nebbi Municipality.

Addressing officials from the Uganda AIDS Commission, chiefs, and partners, he proposed :“For three days, our people will converge in Paidha under the royal banner. Why not partner with the Uganda AIDS Commission, district health teams, and our Minister of Health to offer voluntary testing in one central location?” Orach asked.

This aligns with national goals to boost HIV case identification, linkage to antiretroviral therapy, and prevention of mother-to-child transmission amid uptake barriers.

Dr Stephen Watiti, Commissioner at the Uganda AIDS Commission, urged the kingdom to intensify anti-stigma campaigns during the meeting: “Leverage every royal gathering – from Ubimu anniversaries to clan sports tournaments, to educate subjects on prevention and destigmatisation.”

The kingdom has increasingly used cultural platforms, including inter-clan football galas, to disseminate HIV prevention messages in Alur language and context.

According to the Uganda AIDS Commission, Uganda records five new HIV infections hourly, 711 weekly, and 37,000 annually, with 54 daily and 384 weekly HIV-related deaths.

Regional prevalence stands at 2.3% in West Nile, 5.8% in Lango, 7% in Acholi, 6.3% in Ankole, and 7.5% in South Buganda.

Mike Rwothomio is news editor at zoomer Africa your number one grassroot informations