New HIV Study Shows Lingering National Health Concern

What the report says

Uganda’s Ministry of Health has released preliminary results from the 2025 Uganda Population-based HIV Impact Assessment (UPHIA), indicating that HIV remains a major public health concern nationwide. The findings were presented by Health Minister Dr. Chris Baryomunsi at the Media Centre in Kampala after survey work carried out between July and September 2025.

According to the Nile Post report, the assessment estimates that about 1.496 million people aged 15 and above are living with HIV. It also puts adult prevalence at 5.9%, including 4.1% among men, while prevalence among people aged 15 to 49 is reported at 5.3%. The survey involved 6,283 participants.

The report says HIV rates differ by region, with higher levels noted in areas such as South West, Mid-North and parts of central Uganda, and lower levels in regions including Karamoja and the North East. It also shows variation by age group, with much lower prevalence among people aged 15 to 24 than among older adults.

Baryomunsi said the findings show HIV risk remains present in every part of the country, while also pointing to progress in prevention efforts. The ministry urged adolescents and other at-risk groups to test regularly, and called on development partners to work with government on prevention, treatment and efforts aimed at controlling the epidemic by 2030.