Leaders of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Uganda led by the Executive Secretary Pr. Nicholas Bitamazire have intensified their engagement in the national effort to reduce new HIV infections and support those living with HIV, aligning with the country’s goal of ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.
During an engagement held on February 18, 2026, at the Adventist Center in Makerere, Kampala, church administrators and representatives from the Uganda AIDS Commission (UAC) discussed ways to deepen collaboration in HIV prevention and care.
Participants who included Health, Women, Men, Youth and Education directors from across the Conference and Fields committed to expanding health education within church communities by integrating information on HIV transmission, prevention, and living positively with the virus into regular church programmes. The church plans to put emphasis on the AIDS Awareness Sabbath that happens every November to raise awareness, particularly among young members, and to address stigma that can hinder testing and treatment uptake.
The Conference and Fields across the country will incorporate these health messages into quarterly preaching schedules and community outreach activities an effort that is part of a broader strategy to harness the church’s influence for promoting holistic well being — recognizing that spiritual life and health are interconnected and that faith communities play an important role in shaping attitudes and behaviors.
Representatives from the Uganda AIDS Commission shared national HIV statistics during the meeting, underscoring the ongoing challenge of new infections and HIV-related deaths in Uganda. The leadership discussed how faith-based platforms can contribute to national targets by encouraging HIV testing, supporting those on treatment, and protecting vulnerable populations.
The Adventist Church in Uganda has long been involved in health and community development work, operating health facilities, supporting public health initiatives, and partnering with government and civil society actors to improve quality of life for all Ugandans. This renewed focus on HIV continues that mission by blending health education with spiritual care and community support.