Kabaka appointed HIV goodwill envoy

The appointment means that the Kabaka, who is one of the most influential and respected persons in Uganda, will be the face and voice of fighting HIV/Aids epidemic.

Kabaka’s appointment was announced by Prof Sheila Tlou, the Unaids regional director for Eastern and Southern Africa, during celebrations to mark Buganda Kingdom’s health day last Saturday at Buvuma Islands.

Explaining his appointment, Prof Tlou said the Kabaka as a cultural leader, has been very instrumental in the fight against polio and malaria and can also play a crucial role in combating HIV/Aids.

Reason
“We have hope that the Kabaka will network and support communication of clear benchmarks and goals in the Aids response, including Unaids mission of finding a cure for HIV by 2020, in order to realise Unaids’ vision of ending HIV/Aids as a public health threat by 2030,” she said

For a very long time Unaids, along with other UN agencies, has enlisted the voluntary services and support of prominent individuals as goodwill ambassadors to many campaigns aimed at achieving good health and well-being of communities.

Last year, Unaids also appointed Tooro King Oyo Nyimba Iguru Rukidi IV as its goodwill ambassador to combat HIV/Aids among the youth.
Speaking at the function, the Kabaka said: “The good thing is that our people have been sensitised on how HIV/Aids spreads and the biggest task ahead of us now, is to ensure that men and male youth take the lead in this campaign. We expect them to be the first to carry out voluntary counseling and testing and encourage others to do the same.”