The Uganda AIDS Commission (UAC) has identified transportation issues as a primary factor contributing to the shortage and absence of antiretroviral (ARV) drugs in various regions of the country.
This revelation was made in response to concerns raised by Members of Parliament on the Committee on Commissions, Statutory Authorities, and State Enterprises (COSASE), who reported complaints from constituents about the unavailability of ARV medications.
Dr. Daniel Byamukama, the Head of HIV Prevention at the UAC, clarified that while ARV drugs are available in stock, the commission faces financial constraints that hinder the transportation of these medications to different delivery points.
He explained that previously, donor partners were responsible for warehousing and transportation; however, their withdrawal has left a significant gap in logistics support.
Additionally, the UAC has expressed concern over the lack of prioritization by government ministries, agencies, and local governments in allocating the mandated 0.1% of their total budgets to mainstream HIV/AIDS activities.
Dr. Byamukama highlighted that out of 116 local governments, only 60 have allocated the required 0.1%, and among 90 ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs), only 22 have fulfilled this obligation for the financial year 2022/23.
By Francis Lubega
8th May 2025
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