Uganda’s HIV story is one of courage, leadership, science, and remarkable grassroots activism. As we mark AIDS Week, we celebrate the Ugandan champions whose voices, ideas, and sacrifices have shaped national and global progress.

Here are just a few of the many heroes:

• Dr. Matthew Lukwiya — the legendary medical hero of St. Mary’s Lacor Hospital who saved countless lives and inspired a generation of health workers
• Prof. Pontiano Kaleebu — a global leader in HIV vaccine research and director of UVRI, pushing boundaries in science and treatment.
• Dr. Speciosa Wandira Kazibwe — former Vice President and strong advocate for sexual health, women’s rights, and HIV prevention.
• Dr. Stephen Watiti — one of Uganda’s most vocal HIV-positive advocates, who has used his own story to fight stigma nationwide.
• Networks of People Living with HIV (NAPHAN, UGANET, TASO) — community pillars bringing care, psychosocial support, and dignity to families across the country since the early 1990s.
• Health workers, counselors, and peer educators across Uganda who continue saving lives every day in villages, clinics, and hospitals.

These women and men embody courage, compassion, and resilience. Their work has saved lives, protected families, and given hope to millions.

Uganda’s fight against HIV continues because of heroes like them — and because of every citizen who chooses testing, prevention, and kindness over stigma.

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