Ministry Of Defence And Veteran Affairs Marks World AIDS Day 2025

The Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs joined the global community to commemorate World AIDS Day 2025 under the theme: “Building a Sustainable HIV Response to End HIV and AIDS as a Public Health Threat.”

Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Stephen Watiti, Commissioner at the Uganda AIDS Commission, shared a personal testimony of living with HIV for over 35 years. He emphasised the importance of knowing one’s HIV status, describing regular testing as the gateway to prevention, timely treatment, and effective disease management.

“I was infected as a young man in the 1980s and battled advanced AIDS in 1999, facing severe illnesses including tuberculosis, cancer, and meningitis. Through timely treatment, dedicated medical support, and personal resilience, I survived these challenges and continue to live purposefully,” Dr. Watiti said.

He highlighted the persistent challenge of stigma, which often stems from myths and misinformation. He described how understanding the scientific facts about HIV helped him overcome fear and shame.

“HIV can affect anyone who does not take precautions, even within marriage, but it is not a death sentence. People on treatment can live full and thriving lives when they adhere to their medication,” he added.

Dr. Watiti urged people living with HIV to remain consistent with their treatment and encouraged those who are HIV-negative to make informed choices to prevent infection.

The MoDVA Assistant Commissioner Human Resource, Harriet Kyomugisha, underscored the value of an active lifestyle and encouraged staff to integrate regular exercise and simple physical activities such as walking and skipping into their daily routines.

Maj Christine Nakalembe Kiiza, Head of Catering and Nutrition at the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Air Force, emphasised that balanced diets strengthen immunity, support treatment effectiveness, and enhance resilience among personnel living with HIV.

“Nutrition is a critical component of holistic health,” Maj Nakalembe said.

“By ensuring access to balanced meals and promoting healthy eating habits, we support those living with HIV to manage their condition effectively.”

The event brought together personnel from various departments within the Ministry.