Judiciary Holds Health Awareness Camp at Iganga High Court, Promotes Wellness and HIV/AIDS Awareness
Participants at the Health Awareness Camp at Iganga High Court
The Judiciary today held a Health Awareness Camp at the Iganga High Court grounds, presided over by Resident Judge Justice David Batema. The Camp brought together Judicial Officers and staff from the Iganga Circuit, health specialists, members of the Judiciary HIV/AIDS Committee, stakeholders, and the public to raise awareness on wellness and HIV/AIDS prevention.
In his opening remarks, Justice Batema reflected on the Judiciary's journey in confronting HIV/AIDS, recalling the stigma that characterized the 1990s when staff found it difficult to speak openly about their status. He shared personal experiences of colleagues and family members who suffered in silence at a time when treatment was scarce and expensive. He commended the Judiciary's introduction of workplace programmes in2012, which encouraged openness and access to care, and noted that stigma, once a major barrier, has greatly reduced. Justice Batema also cautioned that beyond the known transmission methods, risks such as unsafe salon equipment and occupational exposure also remain threats.
HW Dorothy Lwanga, representing the Chairperson of the Judiciary HIV/AIDS Committee, outlined the objectives of the camp. She emphasized that HIV and AIDS continue to undermine Uganda's socio-economic development, with the national response guided by the Presidential Fast Track Initiative to End AIDS by 2030. She explained that the Judiciary has mainstreamed HIV/AIDS into its programmes through awareness camps, talk shows, workplace sensitization, and testimonies from people living with HIV.
HW Sayuni David, Assistant Registrar Iganga High Court, highlighted the significance of the Camp to the Judiciary's wider campaign against HIV/AIDS. He stressed that although treatment has improved, complacency remains a risk, and reminded participants that a healthy workforce is vital for effective justice delivery.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Gabula Ezra, Chairperson of Iganga, underscored the importance of adherence to medication and encouraged participants to extend awareness efforts to the community. He urged the Judiciary to sustain and expand such initiatives.
Posted 25th, September 2025
