KABALE – The Prime Minister, Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda, has on Friday, August 23, advised youths to choose abstinence over condom use to fight HIV/AIDS.
Dr. Rugunda made these remarks during his speech to the youths from Kigezi sub region who had gathered at Agaba House in Kabale town to welcome the Omukama of Tooro Kingdom, His Majesty Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru IV.
King Oyo is on a 3-day visit to Kigezi to consolidate the cordial relationship between Kigezi and Tooro that existed in the 1950’s.
Dr. Rugunda advised the locals to abstain from sex and be faithful, saying those who cannot should use condoms. He however, advised them to abstain as the best option in fighting the scourge.
“But for those who cannot help it, use a condom. But for you young people, am not advising you to go for condoms. Am specifically telling you to abstain because that is a sure way to prevent and stop HIV from multiplying,” said Hon Rugunda.
The premier told the youths that their time to have spouses would come in the future and that they would enjoy better lives then.
“Because time will come when you will have a spouse. Please wait for your time AIDS is a killer but preventable. You choose either to have it or not. So you people don’t choose to die choose to live…,” Rugunda advised.
King Oyo, who is the UNAIDS Special Ambassador, was requested to speak to the Kigezi youths about how to stop the spread of HIV in the country.
King Oyo warned that AIDS nowadays is an underground killer, saying it exists and called on the youths to be aware of it and avoid it.
“I want to assure you that AIDS is there and is silently claiming lives of Ugandans. The youth you’re the future of this nation and therefore you need to get rid of this scourge if you’re to enjoy the life ahead,” King Oyo advised.
King Oyo’s invitation to Kigezi was done by the International community of the Banyakigezi (ICOB) Uganda chapter.
Dr. Karusa Kiragu Gikonyo, the UNAIDS country director warned the youth to strongly fight against getting HIV out of the country or else be victims.
“I beg you do everything you can to avoid it avoid HIV or be part of our statistics. The choice is in your hands.” Dr. Karusa stated.
“AIDS is preventable disease, treatment is available but it’s treatment for life. Treatment for life is a serous thing it’s not a joke,” she added.
According to Dr. Karusa, 500 people die of HIV related illness in Uganda on a weekly basis.
Dr. Karusa warned that HIV patients in Uganda live on drugs that are from donors which she said is risky if the donors chose to withdraw their donation would mean no life for HIV patients in Uganda.
