Uganda Clergy Get Cars for HIV Fight

The Inter-Religious Council of Uganda (IRCU) has donated six new double cabin pick-up trucks to religious denominations, to enable them implement the second phase of the HIV/AIDS program amongst their flock.

While handing over the vehicles in Kampala yesterday, IRCU chairman and head of the Orthodox Church, Jonah Lwanga, urged all the benefiting religious groups to use the vehicles exclusively for HIV/AIDS advocacy programs.

"I urge you to use these cars carefully, like you have done in the previous programs because the old ones you have returned are still in good condition," he said.

Ms Betty Kagoro, a communication specialist at IRCU, said although the Pentecostal movement is not a member of IRCU, it was considered for the car donation because its followers are vulnerable to HIV/AIDS just like the rest of the community.

"The Pentecostals are growing in number and we found it befitting to work with them in the fight against this scourge," she said, adding that three other cars out of the nine procured for the program, will remain at IRCU offices to help in coordination.

Since 2001, the religious council has been supporting faith -based organisations in HIV prevention, treatment and supporting orphans and vulnerable children.

Latest findings by the Uganda Aids Information Centre indicate that the number of HIV/AIDS infections has increased by 50,000 reported cases in the last eight months.

The research shows that although the national prevalence has stagnated between 6 and 6.3 per cent, the new figure is nearly half the 110,000 cases captured last year.

Most infections are mainly reported among married couples, commercial sex workers, fishing communities and long-distance truck drivers

The five-year HIV/AIDS program is supported by USAID, at a tune of $30 million.

The Friends of AIDS Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for HIV positive individuals and empowering people to make healthy choices to prevent the spread of the HIV virus. To learn more about The Friends of AIDS Foundation, please visit: http://www.friendsofaids.org.

TOGETHER WE REMAIN STRONG!