Uganda: New HIV Study Shows Lingering National Health Concern

What the report says

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

According to the report, 6,283 people took part in the assessment. It estimates that 5.9% of Ugandan adults aged 15 and above are living with HIV, equal to about 1.496 million people. The findings also put prevalence at 5.3% among people aged 15 to 49, with lower levels among men than women in both age ranges noted in the release.

The data show notable regional differences, with higher prevalence reported in some areas such as South West, Central 2 (Mubende), Mid-North and Kampala, and lower rates in places including Karamoja and the North East. The survey also suggests HIV prevalence is much higher among older adults than among young people, with the 15-24 age group showing a far lower rate than middle-aged groups.

Baryomunsi said the findings show HIV risk persists across 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 continue supporting prevention, testing and treatment services. The broader significance is that the results highlight both remaining gaps and the need to sustain HIV response efforts as Uganda works toward its 2030 control goals.