The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) Joint Staff for Health Services, Major General Dr Ambrose Musinguzi, has described the introduction of lenacapavir—a long-acting injectable Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) drug for HIV prevention—as timely and strategic in advancing the UPDF’s comprehensive HIV prevention agenda.
Speaking during the rollout at the HIV Centre at the General Military Hospital (GMH) Bombo, Maj Gen Musinguzi said the drug, administered once every six months, represents a significant step in strengthening the force’s HIV response efforts.
Maj Gen Musinguzi noted that the UPDF has, over the years, implemented a combination prevention strategy integrating testing, treatment, behavioural interventions, and biomedical approaches, which has yielded measurable success in reducing infections.
Maj Gen Musinguzi emphasised that despite the progress made, the evolving nature of HIV prevention requires continuous innovation, capacity building, and sustained community engagement.
He also cautioned that new health technologies often come with misconceptions, urging health workers to prioritise accurate information dissemination to counter myths and ensure proper uptake.
The Director of HIV/AIDS in the UPDF, Lt Col Evelyn Asiimwe, said the rollout aligns with Uganda’s national goal of ending HIV/AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.
Lt Col Asiimwe observed that despite notable progress, new HIV infections remain unacceptably high, underscoring the need for targeted and innovative prevention approaches.
She revealed that the UPDF has already received an initial batch of doses, with GMH Bombo and another military facility accredited as rollout sites, supported by satellite centres to expand access.
According to her, more than 50 health workers have been trained to administer the injection, with systems in place to integrate the service into various care points, including outpatient and maternal health clinics.
Dr Denis Bwayo, Programme Director of the University Research Company (URC)-UPDF HIV Programme, underscored the importance of careful implementation, particularly in defining eligibility criteria tailored to the military’s unique operational context.
Dr Bwayo stressed the need for effective supply chain management, noting that the injection requires administration every six months and must remain consistently available for follow-up doses.
Dr Bwayo also emphasised the importance of continuous HIV testing among beneficiaries and strong demand creation through targeted communication strategies. He commended the UPDF HIV programme’s performance, revealing that more than 22,000 clients are currently on treatment across 31 ART clinics, with viral suppression rates consistently above 95 per cent.
Speaking on behalf of the Ministry of Health, Dr. Miamuna Kinalwa from the AIDS Control Programme described the rollout as a demonstration of Uganda’s commitment to innovation in HIV prevention.
Dr. Kinalwa reaffirmed government support to the UPDF in scaling up the intervention and integrating it into existing health systems.
Providing a technical overview, Dr. Mary Kiba from the Department of HIV at GMH Bombo described lenacapavir as a first-in-class capsid inhibitor that prevents HIV from replicating in the body.
Dr Kiba explained that the drug is administered as a subcutaneous injection and offers protection for up to six months, making it a convenient alternative to daily oral prevention methods.
Dr Kiba added that the drug is particularly
Suitable for individuals who struggle with daily pill regimens or face stigma associated with oral HIV prevention.
The launch brought together senior UPDF leadership, officials from the Ministry of Health, implementing partners, and health workers.