Baryomunsi calls on religious leaders to champion HIV fight

What the report says

Health Minister Chris Baryomunsi used the ordination of Rt Rev Bonaventure Bosco Gubazire as the new Bishop of Kabale Diocese to press religious leaders in Kigezi to take a stronger role in HIV prevention. According to Nile Post, he said the region’s reported HIV prevalence of about 8% is higher than the national figure of around 5.9%, making community-based action especially important.

The remarks were delivered on October 3 at St Ignatius University Kabale grounds during the installation ceremony for Gubazire, who was appointed by Pope Leo XIV in July to succeed Rt Rev Callistus Rubaramira after his retirement. Gubazire, a member of the Missionaries of Africa, became the fifth bishop of Kabale Diocese, which was established in 1966.

Baryomunsi said churches and mosques can help with health education, public mobilization and cooperation with the Ministry of Health. He called for closer coordination between faith institutions and health authorities in efforts to reduce new HIV infections and improve awareness in communities where the epidemic remains significant.

The minister also used the event to encourage parents to ensure children receive measles and rubella vaccinations, linking the message to wider public health work. More broadly, the story shows how religious institutions in Uganda are often viewed as important partners in health campaigns because of their influence and reach at local level.