Clergy
New HIV Prevention Injection to Be Rolled Out in Western Uganda
Mbarara, Uganda August 24, 2026, a new HIV prevention drug administered by injection once every six months is set to be introduced at selected health facilities in Western Uganda, offering people at risk of HIV infection another option for preventing the virus.
By Sr. Stella Watsema OLGC
Health workers from six selected health facilities are currently undergoing a five day training in Mbarara at Bishop Kakubi memorial hall to prepare them for the rollout of Lenacapavir, a new HIV prevention option under Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) services.
The training is being conducted by the Uganda Catholic Medical Bureau (UCMB) a health department at the Uganda Episcopal Conference (UEC) in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, with support from FHI.
According to Nyakato Jennifer, an HIV prevention officer and coordinator of PrEP services at UCMB, the training is equipping health workers with the knowledge and skills needed to provide Lenacapavir and other HIV prevention services in the selected health facilities in the region.
What is Lenacapavir?
Lenacapavir is a long-acting injectable PrEP option designed to help prevent HIV infection among people who are HIV-negative and at risk of acquiring the virus. Unlike daily oral PrEP, Lenacapavir is administered once every six months, potentially making it a convenient option for people who may find it difficult to take HIV prevention pills every day.
PrEP, or pre-exposure prophylaxis, refers to medicines taken by people who are HIV-negative to reduce their risk of acquiring HIV. The training is also covering other PrEP options and cabotegravir, another injectable PrEP option administered every two months.
Where will the service be introduced?
The training is targeting health workers from facilities serving communities in the Kigezi and Ankole regions. Among the selected facilities are Mtorere in Kisoro district, St. Daniel Camboni in Bushenyi district, Kyabirukwa in Isinjiro district and Rushoka in Ntungamo district, among others. The health workers are being trained ahead of the next phase of implementation, which is expected to begin in November 2026.
Who could benefit from Lenacapavir?
According to Jennifer, the new HIV prevention option could particularly benefit populations at increased risk of HIV infection.
These include serodiscordant couples, where one partner is HIV-positive and the other is HIV-negative. PrEP can help protect the HIV-negative partner and reduce the risk of HIV transmission within families. Other groups that could benefit include fisherfolk, long-distance truck drivers, adolescent girls and young women, as well as other populations considered to be at increased risk of HIV infection.
Health workers will also educate communities about the different PrEP options, allowing clients to choose a prevention method that best suits their needs and circumstances.
Why is the new HIV prevention option important?
The rollout comes amid continued concern over HIV infections in parts of Western Uganda, where HIV prevalence in some districts remains higher than the national average.
New HIV Prevention Injection to Be Rolled Out in Western Uganda
Mbarara, Uganda August 24, 2026, a new HIV prevention drug administered by injection once every six months is set to be introduced at selected health facilities in Western Uganda, offering people at risk of HIV infection another option for preventing the virus.
By Sr. Stella Watsema OLGC
Health workers from six selected health facilities are currently undergoing a five day training in Mbarara at Bishop Kakubi memorial hall to prepare them for the rollout of Lenacapavir, a new HIV prevention option under Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) services.
The training is being conducted by the Uganda Catholic Medical Bureau (UCMB) a health department at the Uganda Episcopal Conference (UEC) in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, with support from FHI.
According to Nyakato Jennifer, an HIV prevention officer and coordinator of PrEP services at UCMB, the training is equipping health workers with the knowledge and skills needed to provide Lenacapavir and other HIV prevention services in the selected health facilities in the region.
What is Lenacapavir?
Lenacapavir is a long-acting injectable PrEP option designed to help prevent HIV infection among people who are HIV-negative and at risk of acquiring the virus. Unlike daily oral PrEP, Lenacapavir is administered once every six months, potentially making it a convenient option for people who may find it difficult to take HIV prevention pills every day.
PrEP, or pre-exposure prophylaxis, refers to medicines taken by people who are HIV-negative to reduce their risk of acquiring HIV. The training is also covering other PrEP options and cabotegravir, another injectable PrEP option administered every two months.
Where will the service be introduced?
The training is targeting health workers from facilities serving communities in the Kigezi and Ankole regions. Among the selected facilities are Mtorere in Kisoro district, St. Daniel Camboni in Bushenyi district, Kyabirukwa in Isinjiro district and Rushoka in Ntungamo district, among others. The health workers are being trained ahead of the next phase of implementation, which is expected to begin in November 2026.
Who could benefit from Lenacapavir?
According to Jennifer, the new HIV prevention option could particularly benefit populations at increased risk of HIV infection.
These include serodiscordant couples, where one partner is HIV-positive and the other is HIV-negative. PrEP can help protect the HIV-negative partner and reduce the risk of HIV transmission within families. Other groups that could benefit include fisherfolk, long-distance truck drivers, adolescent girls and young women, as well as other populations considered to be at increased risk of HIV infection.
Health workers will also educate communities about the different PrEP options, allowing clients to choose a prevention method that best suits their needs and circumstances.
Why is the new HIV prevention option important?
The rollout comes amid continued concern over HIV infections in parts of Western Uganda, where HIV prevalence in some districts remains higher than the national average.
According to Jennifer, the Uganda AIDS Commission's 2024 report, said national HIV prevalence was estimated at about 4.9% to 5.1%, while some districts in Western Uganda recorded higher rates. She said that HIV prevalence of about 11% in Buhweju, 10% in Mbarara City, 8% to 9.4% in Bushenyi, and between 6% and 7% in several other districts.
She also said HIV prevalence remains higher among women than men, with women estimated at about 6.4% to 6.6%, compared with 3.3% to 3.4% among men. Health authorities are consequently encouraging greater male involvement in HIV testing, treatment and prevention. HIV services are also being taken closer to men through workplaces, markets, border points and other locations where men can easily access them.
Will clients pay for Lenacapavir?
Jennifer said clients will not be charged for Lenacapavir during the programme, as the medicine has been provided through donor support. She encouraged communities to embrace the new HIV prevention option and continue using available HIV prevention services.
The Ministry of Health is coordinating the training, providing technical guidance and overseeing the supply of HIV prevention commodities. Health officials hope that expanding access to a range of PrEP options, including long-acting injectable prevention, will give people greater choice and contribute to reducing new HIV infections in Uganda.
Most Rev. Lambert Bainomugisha, Archbishop of Mbarara calls for greater support for AMDEF at Rwenyaga Deanery Raises UGX 105 Million.
MOST REV. LAMBERT BAINOMUGISHA, ARCHBISHOP OF MBARARA CALLS FOR GREATER SUPPORT FOR AMDEF AS RWENYAGA DEANERY RAISES UGX 105 MILLION.
Uganda-Mbarara Rwampara District, Rwenyaga Parish, on Saturday, August 29, 2026: Thousands of lay faithful, priests, and religious men and women from Rwenyaga and surrounding catholic parishes gathered at Rwenyaga Parish for the Archbishop’s annual appeal fund in support of the Archdiocese of Mbarara Development Foundation (AMDEF).
By Sr. Stella Watsema OLGC
The celebration began with the Holy Eucharist presided over by His Grace Lambert Bainomugisha, Archbishop of Mbarara, who was joined by priests serving in Rwampara District and the surrounding catholic parishes.
What is AMDEF?
AMDEF is a strategic fundraising and investment initiative of the Archdiocese of Mbarara. It was officially launched in 2025 by Archbishop Lambert Bainomugisha.
The initiative aims to help the Archdiocese of Mbarara raise and invest its own resources so that it can reduce its dependence on donations. Funds raised through AMDEF are expected to support development of the archdiocese and its institutions, Support schools and higher educational institutions of learning, Improvement of healthcare facilities, Support for agriculture, including plans to provide coffee seedlings to catechist, Development of a community SACCO aimed at improving the financial wellbeing of Christians in the Archdiocese and many others. The SACCO is intended to provide accessible and affordable financial services, encourage saving, support small businesses, and help families improve their incomes.
He appreciated the faithful for their commitment to supporting the development of the catholic Church and prayed for God's blessings upon them. The archbishop also spoke about the important role of parents in caring for and raising their children. He thanked parents for their efforts and reminded them that the wellbeing of families depends greatly on the care and support parents provide to their children.
Archbishop thanks faithful for their support
In his homily, Archbishop Bainomugisha thanked the people of Rwampara District for organizing the AMDEF gathering at Rwenyaga Parish.
The AMDEF Chairperson, Eng. Dr. Silver Mugisha, thanked Rwenyaga Deanery for working with the Archdiocese in mobilizing resources. He said the deanery was part of the effort that contributed to the Shs3 billion already collected and placed in the AMDEF common fund in 2025. He appealed to Christians and other well-wishers to continue supporting the project so that it can be completed.
Christians introduced to the AMDEF SACCO
Dr. Mugisha also explained the Archdiocese's SACCO initiative, which is intended to strengthen the financial wellbeing of Christians. He explained how members will access SACCO's services and encouraged the faithful to make use of the financial opportunities it will provide. The SACCO is expected to promote a culture of saving, support entrepreneurship, and help improve household incomes across the archdiocese.
Ugx. 105 million raised at Rwenyaga
At the AMDEF gathering, the guest of Honor, Hon. Charles Ngabirano, Member of Parliament, made his annual contribution of Ugx 5 million. By the end of the function, the faithful had contributed a total of Ugx 105 million in cash towards AMDEF. Hon. Ngabirano also pledged to support efforts to provide clean and safe water to people in the area.
Why the gathering matters
The AMDEF campaign is intended to create a stronger financial foundation for the Archdiocese of Mbarara. By raising and investing its own resources, the archdiocese hopes to support its long-term development and continue serving Christians through education, healthcare, agriculture and other community programmes. The Rwenyaga gathering was therefore both a fundraising event and an opportunity for Church leaders and the faithful to discuss how they can work together to strengthen the future of the Archdiocese
Archbishop Lambert Bainomugisha Confirms 80 Pupils in the Catholic faith at St. Helen’s Primary School as they Celebrate St. Helens Feast Day at the school.
On Tuesday, August 18, 2026 Rt. Rev. Lambert Bainomugisha, Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Mbarara, confirmed 80 pupils at St. Helen’s Primary School. The event was attended by priests, religious men and women, Hon. Kalisa, MP for Ibanda, old girls, parents, and the school community.
Archbishop Lambert Bainomugisha confirms 80 pupils at St. Helens primary School at Nyamitanga Archdiocese of Mbarara.
Archbishop Bainomugisha first blessed the school hall before presiding over the Confirmation Mass where 80 pupils received the Sacrament of Confirmation. The ceremony coincided with St. Helen’s Primary School Feast Day and a celebration of academic and co-curricular achievements. St. Helen’s Primary School, a Catholic-founded school in Mbarara known for educating the girl child and visually impaired children under the guidance of the Sisters of Our Lady of Good Counsel of Mbarara.
Archbishop anointed the pupils with the Holy oils and prayed for them for the seven gifts of the Spirit and after commissioned them as apostles of Christ. The Archbishop said after the anointing with holy oils, sends the newly confirmed to “preach the good news wherever they will be, in their own way. During his homily, Archbishop Bainomugisha urged them to evangelize through their daily lives, words, and actions, reflecting the fruits of the Holy Spirit they have received. In Galatians 5: people will know you by love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. “That is how the world will know you belong to Jesus Christ,” he said.
The school choir St. Helens primary school animating confirmation Mass at the school.
His Grace Lambert Bainomugisha with the Head teacher Sr. Macklean Ayebare and the management committee of St. Helens Primary School after the confirmation of their pupils the school.
The Sacrament of Confirmation marks a turning point for the 80 pupils. They are now called to be active witnesses of their catholic faith at home, at school, and in society. The Archbishop told them that “even young children can evangelize old people,” encouraging them to live by practicing Catholic values learned at St. Helen’s. The confirmation strengthens their role as moral leaders among peers, with the gifts of the Holy Spirit as a “spiritual tool” for making right choices, standing against peer pressure, and serving others. For pupils with visual impairment, the sacrament affirms their equal dignity and mission in the catholic Church. School Legacy and Celebration Founded in 1928, St. Helen’s Primary School has grown on strong moral and Christian values. The Sisters of Our Lady of Good Counsel continue to lead in educating the girl child and vulnerable children with visual impairment. In celebrating their Feast Day, they celebrate and honor the school’s academic excellence and co-curricular success, drawing many old girls back to their roots St. Helens. Voices from the Celebration Sharing a personal story, Archbishop Bainomugisha recalled being in Primary Six in 1976 when he wrote his father a letter in a “special language” only they understood, asking for an application to join seminary. He used the story to show how children can take initiative in faith.
His Grace Lambert Bainomugisha with the old girls and old boys of St. Helens primary school at the school at Nyamitanga. Hon. Kalisa, MP for Ibanda and an old girl, thanked the Catholic Church and the Sisters for instilling values that shaped her. She recounted how her father rode her from Ibanda each term and how she learned discipline despite rarely being visited. She urged current pupils to “be disciplined and concentrate on their education first.”The headteacher thanked Archbishop Bainomugisha, clergy, PTA, staff, and parents for supporting the pupils’ faith and education.