Uganda is intensifying efforts to sustain its HIV response in the face of declining donor funding, with government officials, religious leaders and health experts meeting in Kampala to explore more locally driven solutions.

At the Faith Sector Health and Sustainable HIV Financing Dialogue, stakeholders highlighted the need for stronger domestic financing and deeper involvement of faith-based institutions in prevention and care, as new infections continue to affect young people, women and children despite past progress in reducing HIV cases and deaths.

Uganda has reduced new HIV infections from 100,000 in 2010 to 37,000 today and HIV-related deaths from 56,000 to 20,000. However, challenges persist, including 4,700 child infections annually, higher infection rates among women, and late treatment among men.

Speaking in Kampala, John Kauta, representing the Minister of Health said Uganda must increase domestic health financing as donor support declines. He noted that government is considering raising the health budget to about six trillion shillings next financial year.

Following the withdrawal of USAID support, we provided supplementary funding and committed to sustain this support. Under the US bilateral agreement, Uganda will invest up to 500 million dollars in health over the next five years.

His Eminence Jeronymos Muzeeyi, Acting Chair of the Interreligious Council, emphasized that religious institutions remain key partners in healthcare delivery, particularly in hard-to-reach communities.

He noted that faith-based hospitals, clinics, and outreach programs often serve as the first point of care and, at times, the last line of support for vulnerable communities. He called for a forward-looking plan to sustain these facilities amid ongoing funding challenges.

Sheikh Muhammad Waisswa, representing Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje of the Inter-Religious Council of Uganda, called on all Ugandans to embrace regular HIV testing. He emphasised that testing is free and should not be stigmatised, but treated as a personal responsibility. He also urged action on social factors driving infections among young people and stronger protection for children.

Dr Peter Wakova, Head of Monitoring and Evaluation at the Uganda AIDS Commission, said religious leaders are trusted voices who can help reverse worrying HIV trends.

He noted that the next generation remains at the centre of new HIV infections, calling for intentional guidance of young people using values such as abstinence, faithfulness, and responsible decision-making, while translating faith into practical action.

He urged churches to integrate HIV messages into youth and family ministries and strengthen their links with health facilities—many of which they already run to better protect adolescents and women.

Rev. Emmanuel Koboi, Church of Uganda Provincial Youth and Students Coordinator, emphasised the need for youth-friendly HIV messages in schools, communities and on social media to help young people make informed decisions before entering long-term relationships.

The dialogue ended with a candlelighting ceremony in memory of those who have died from HIV-related illness. Participants agreed that ending HIV as a public health threat will require stronger domestic financing, renewed faith-health partnerships and community-driven awareness to protect future generations.