Bishop Stuart University Graduates, Students warned over HIV Infection increase in Mbarara

Amos Tayebwa

Mbarara

As Bishop Stuart University was celebrating the 19th graduation ceremony over the weekend, Graduates and Students from this University were warned over the increased incidents of HIV Infection in Mbarara and other areas where HIV/AIDS is on high prevalence rate.

While addressing the congregation at BSU Riverside grounds, the Ankole Diocese Bishop Rt. Rev. Sheldon Mwesigwa asked the graduates and the rest of the students of Bishop Stuart University to be extra careful because the incidents of HIV has increased in Mbarara.

It has been revealed that Mbarara City has for the last 3 years registered 1789 new HIV infections. This has put the City having the second highest HIV/AIDS prevalence rate in the country, something that has put Locals and Leaders on panic.

According to the recent statistics from the Uganda AIDS Commission, it is indicated that Mbarara City comes second only to Fort Portal City countrywide in terms of HIV/AIDS prevalence. It has been reported that Mbarara City has registered 440 new HIV infections this year alone, the majority of them among young females and older men.

Bishop Sheldon said such incidents of HIV infection increase in the City has become a challenge and threat to the academic institutions.

“We have challenges because of the increased incidents of HIV infection among 14 year olds to 24 year olds and are the most affected ones in Uganda, and that is your age here students. Please, you need to be careful. It is also unfortunate that Mbarara is in second position which means we are in the danger zone. Girls in particular stand a higher risk since 4 out of 5 new infections are among girls, so stand warned our dear girls, when you come to this City be aware of HIV threats” said Mwesigwa.

Bishop Sheldon challenged and cautioned the graduates and the students to ensure they go for HIV medical check-ups to know about their status.

Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, Minister for ICT also added his voice to implore the graduates and the students to remind them that HIV/ AIDS still exists.

“It’s true the statistics from the Government indicate that prevalence rates in some of our urban areas including Mbarara are high. Mbarara is one of our great Cities in Uganda, we want you to lead in other areas not to lead in HIV prevalence. so dear young people you have graduated, your parents have invested resources in you so now they want see fruits from their labor, do not disappoint them by catching HIV and AIDS and dying early before your parents and indeed the country benefit from you” said Minister Baryomunsi

“I know there is a challenge of employment, many of you may take some months or years before you get a job that you want especially you the young girls do not allow to be abused simply because you don’t have a job or you don’t have money, just be patient jobs will come”

At the graduation Ceremony, about 1512 were awarded with degrees, diplomas and certificates in different courses.