By Obed Kankiriho
Health authorities in Kabale District have raised concern over persistent new HIV infections among young women, despite strong progress in treatment and viral suppression.
Between January and March 2026, the district recorded 173 new HIV cases, with 75 infections among women aged 20–39. District Health Educator Alfred Besigensi said 17,462 people were tested, yielding a 1% positivity rate.
Kabale currently has 19,021 people living with HIV, with 9,921 active clients in care. Notably, the district has achieved a 98% viral suppression rate among 8,749 patients on treatment.
However, District Health Officer Gilbert Arinaitwe Mateeka warned that rising infections among young women highlight gaps in prevention. He linked the trend to poverty, transactional and cross-generational sex, alcohol and substance abuse, stigma, and untreated sexually transmitted infections.
Principal Assistant Secretary Gordon Manzi called for increased economic empowerment programs targeting vulnerable women, while Assistant RDC Nelson Atwongyeire urged parents to engage more in sexual health education and suggested using music and school competitions to raise awareness.
