Uganda AIDS Commission Defends HIV-Positive Youth Pageant Against Stigma

The Uganda AIDS Commission (UAC) has firmly rejected public criticism claiming that awards given during beauty pageants for people living with HIV might encourage individuals to contract the virus for prizes. Speaking at Hotel Africana during the launch of the 11th edition of the Y+ Beauty Pageant, Dr. Dan Byamukama addressed the misconceptions surrounding the event.

Organized by the Uganda Network of Young People Living with HIV and AIDS (UNYPA), the annual pageant aims to recognize leadership, courage, and advocacy among young people. Dr. Byamukama noted that the awards honor the contributions and dignity of the participants rather than the infection itself.

Following the launch, regional activities, school outreaches, and auditions are scheduled across Jinja, Arua, Bushenyi, and Kampala. A cohort of 18 contestants will participate in a residential boot camp ahead of the grand finale in December.

Officials and partners highlighted that social stigma remains a major barrier to ending AIDS. UNYPA Team Leader Mary Rio Babirye stressed that discrimination drives people into isolation and silence, hindering testing and treatment. First Secretary for Health and Gender at the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Elin Hilwig, reaffirmed continued support for youth-led initiatives and emphasized that eliminating stigma is crucial for preventing new infections.

Read more about this story in the Daily Monitor.