URA joined forces with other government agencies and civil society organizations to mark the global observance of World AIDS Day in Buyende District last Saturday. The event, which was presided over by H.E. the President, marked 42 years since the first HIV/AIDS case was detected in the country.

Barbara Nanyonga, URA’s Welfare Supervisor and HIV Focal Person, highlighted that the taxman’s presence at the event underscored its commitment to fighting HIV/AIDS and providing unwavering support to those living with the disease. She emphasized that the fight is not just about URA employees but about the entire country.

“We must break the stigma associated with HIV,” said Barbara, addressing the media at the event. “This can be achieved through continuous awareness programs at both the national and organizational levels, alongside creating an environment where all Ugandans, regardless of their HIV status, can live and work without fear of discrimination.”

In his address, the President cautioned against reckless behavior, such as prostitution and multiple sexual partners, which significantly contribute to the spread of HIV. He stressed that while HIV treatment is widely available, it should not lead to complacency in the fight against the virus.

Barbara, who also chairs URA’s HIV/AIDS Committee, shared that the taxman has put in place numerous policies and support systems to assist staff affected by HIV/AIDS.

“Through our comprehensive Employee Wellness Policy, URA provides care, treatment, and both moral and psychosocial support for our staff and their families,” she explained.

Additionally, Barbara noted that URA’s medical insurance plan ensures that employees and their families have access to treatment during their regular hospital visits, benefiting from the government’s widespread distribution of HIV care across Uganda’s health facilities.

The creation of URA’s HIV/AIDS committee followed the launch of the Presidential Fast Track Initiative in June 2017, aimed at ending HIV/AIDS in Uganda by 2030. This initiative encouraged government agencies to establish committees to support staff living with the disease.

At URA, this effort is driven by a collaborative partnership between the Board, Management, the HIV/AIDS focal person in Human Resources, and the HIV/AIDS Committee.

Barbara reiterated the president’s intention in issuing the initiative, especially in the workforce of the URA faithful.

“The President wants to ensure that those living with HIV can lead healthy, productive lives and continue contributing to the nation’s economic growth,” she said.

Earlier this year, the URA HIV/AIDS Committee held a three-day capacity-building workshop to enhance their skills and deepen their understanding of how to better support employees living with HIV/AIDS.

By Dismas Nuwaine & Mukisa Solomon