10 March 2008
Kampala — PARLIAMENT is to construct an HIV/AIDS care centre in Kasensero, Rakai district, as part of the activities to mark 25 years of the scourge in Uganda.
Paul Kiwuuwa and Madina Tebajjukira report that health ministry records indicate that the first AIDS cases in Uganda were reported in November 1982 at Kasensero fishing grounds.
The chairperson of the parliamentary HIV/AIDS committee, Elioda Tumwesigye, yesterday said the project would be undertaken in conjunction with the Rakai district administration.
"The center will be a single-storey house, equipped with HIV/AIDS counselling and testing facilities. It will also provide Anti-Retroviral drugs (ARVs) to patients."
Without disclosing the cost of the project, Tumwesigye said the district would provide the staff and equipment for the centre.
"Speaker Edward Ssekandi will break the ground for construction on Wednesday. The role of Parliament is to that construction kicks off this month with the available funds."
Tumwesigye said people, who have fought the scourge over the years would also be recognised.
"President Museveni will be recognised because he was the first to break the silence on the scourge. Unlike other leaders, who feared for their tourism industries, Museveni waged up war to fight the epidemic in 1986," added the MP.
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