Soroti University scoops top ICT Award in China

Soroti University won the Best Operator institution category award at the Mobile World Congress in Shanghai, China, under the Huawei ICT Academy's LEAP program. The program, sponsored by Huawei, aims to develop digital skills among African youth. The award was received by Edymond Richard Hirya, who encouraged students to strive for excellence. Sophia Nantongo from Uganda's Ministry of ICT praised Huawei's investment in digital skills. John Omo of the Africa Telecommunications Union emphasized the need for affordable digital gadgets to bridge the digital divide in Africa.

Six firms get licence to make crucial HIV injectable

Six pharmaceutical companies have been granted royalty-free licenses to produce the HIV prevention drug lenacapavir, aiming to make it affordable in 120 low and lower-middle-income countries. Despite this progress, concerns remain about the exclusion of certain middle-income countries from the licensing agreement. Gilead, the developer of lenacapavir, is praised for its swift licensing process compared to previous drugs. The drug's successful trials in Uganda and South Africa are pending approval from the US FDA and WHO. Experts emphasize the importance of affordability and user involvement in HIV treatment development.

UK appoints new envoy to Uganda

Lisa Chesney has been appointed as the new British High Commissioner to Uganda, succeeding Kate Airey. Chesney, who previously served as the British High Commissioner in Sierra Leone, will assume her new role in October. The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office announced the change, but no specific reason was provided for the transition. Airey has been in the position since November 2020.

Ugandan breakthrough HIV research volunteers hailed in Germany

The International AIDS Society president, Sharon Lewin, praised Ugandan women for their participation in a study showing lenacapavir's effectiveness in preventing HIV. The study, sponsored by Gilead Sciences, demonstrated the drug's superiority over daily pre-exposure prophylaxis pills. Calls were made for pharmaceutical companies to lower costs to improve accessibility. Lenacapavir, approved in several countries, is the first capsid inhibitor approved by the FDA for HIV treatment. Activists at the International AIDS Conference demanded affordable access to the drug.

Bodaboda accidents pushing up demand for rehabilitation services

Rehabilitation experts in Uganda are calling for improved rehabilitation services due to the rising number of bodaboda accidents, which are causing significant injuries and deaths. Dr. Freddie Ssengoba highlights the growing demand for these services, while Isaac Kakooza emphasizes the economic impact of such accidents. The article discusses the need for more physiotherapists in lower health facilities and the integration of rehabilitation with other health services. The Uganda Association of Orthopaedic Technologists also calls for better recruitment and resources for orthopaedic technologists. The article underscores the importance of rehabilitation in addressing road accidents, age-related conditions, and lifestyle diseases.

Experts say herbalists complicating TB treatment efforts

Health experts in Uganda are raising concerns about herbalists complicating tuberculosis treatment by selling concoctions made from Western TB drugs, leading to increased cases of multi-drug-resistant TB. Dr. Mary Nabukenya and Dr. Akello Susan Adakun highlight the dangers of using herbal remedies, which can cause permanent organ damage and delay proper diagnosis. Efforts are being made to manage latent TB and reduce the pill burden with new drug regimens. Uganda remains a high TB burden country, with strategic plans aiming to reduce TB incidence by 2024/25.

Activists want alcohol tax based on ethanol levels

Activists in Uganda are urging the government to tax alcohol based on ethanol content rather than per bottle, aiming to reduce high-ethanol drinks and increase tax revenue. They highlight the dangers of methanol use in alcohol production and the ineffectiveness of the sachet ban, as small bottles have replaced sachets. The Uganda Youth Development Link emphasizes the link between alcohol abuse and poverty, calling for a regulatory body to oversee alcohol activities. The article also notes the high alcohol consumption rates in Uganda and the associated societal issues.

Ex-Soroti University secretary Achimo freed from prison

Ruth Etibot Achimo, former secretary of Soroti University, was released from Luzira Prison after the Court of Appeal overturned her conviction for abuse of office and fraud. The court found that the trial judge had relied on an unqualified auditor's report and failed to properly evaluate evidence. Achimo's actions, which included paying legal fees to Okurut and Company Advocates, were deemed to have saved the university from financial loss. The court also noted procedural unfairness in the audit process. Achimo's conviction and sentence were quashed, and she was released unless held on other charges.

Give priority to pregnant women during covid-19 vaccination - experts

A study by AFREhealth found that pregnant women with COVID-19 are at a higher risk of severe outcomes and death compared to non-pregnant women. The research, presented by Prof. Jean Nachega, was conducted in six African countries and involved 1,315 women. It concluded that pregnant women should be prioritized for COVID-19 vaccination. The WHO recommends several vaccines for pregnant women, and health officials in Uganda are urging pregnant women to get vaccinated, countering misinformation about vaccine safety.

Activists welcome rejection of mandatory vaccination

Human rights activists in Uganda have praised the Parliament's decision to reject compulsory vaccination, including for COVID-19, in the Public Health Amendment Bill 2021. They advocate for education, sensitization, and informed consent over force. The initial proposal included fines or imprisonment for non-compliance, but was met with backlash for infringing on personal rights. Activists emphasize the importance of addressing misinformation and ensuring the public is well-informed about the benefits of vaccines.