By Nathan Eyagu

The Iteso Cultural Union, in partnership with the Uganda AIDS Commission, launched a cultural gala aimed at raising awareness about HIV/AIDS . The event seeks to harness the power of culture to promote prevention, encourage testing, reduce stigma, and set the stage for a healthier and more productive community in 2026.

Organizers explained that the gala blends traditional music, dance, and cultural performances with public health messaging, creating a dynamic platform to engage communities at the grassroots level. By combining heritage and health education, the initiative aims to ensure that critical messages on HIV/AIDS reach a wide audience in a relatable and impactful way.

Speaking at the launch, Andrew Ochole, Prime Minister of the Iteso Cultural Institution, highlighted the significance of the annual event as a platform for strengthening partnerships with stakeholders, development partners, and government agencies. He emphasized that a healthy population is vital not only for individual wellbeing but also for reducing poverty and promoting sustainable development in the Teso sub-region.

Ochole further noted that the institution remains committed to using cultural platforms to address social challenges affecting the community. He said that by integrating cultural expression with health advocacy, the gala encourages greater participation and collective responsibility toward HIV prevention and community health.

The initiative comes as part of broader efforts across Uganda to reduce new HIV infections, increase access to testing, and combat stigma. The gala symbolizes a reflective closure to 2025 while signaling a renewed commitment by cultural and health leaders to prioritize public health as they enter 2026.

Through this innovative partnership, organizers hope that culture will continue to serve as a powerful tool for community education, fostering awareness, resilience, and positive action toward HIV prevention and overall wellbeing