No One is an Island: We Are All Infected or Affected by HIV: On Friday, May 15, 2026, Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST), through the Office of the Dean of Students, held an International Candlelight Commemoration at the Pharmacology Lecture Theatre (PLT). The solemn yet empowering event brought together students, university leaders, public health advocates, and individuals with lived experiences to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS and inspire peer-led advocacy among young people.
The event was organized in observance of the International AIDS Candlelight Memorial, a global campaign marked annually on May 17 to remember lives lost to HIV/AIDS, honor dedicated caregivers, and break the chains of social stigma.
Held under the localized theme, “Peer Magic: The Power of Connection, Care, and Lived Experience,” the commemoration attracted over 40 key participants, including student leaders, peer educators, and passionate HIV/AIDS advocates from across the university community.
Coordinated by the Office of the Dean of Students in collaboration with institutional HIV/AIDS response structures, the primary goal of the gathering was to empower students to become proactive ambassadors of awareness, inclusion, and positive behavioral change both within the university campuses and surrounding communities.
Remembering Lives and Promoting Awareness: Speaking during the event, Mr. Ambrose Kariyo Mugisha, the Dean of Students, strongly emphasized the university’s commitment to creating safe, judgment-free spaces where students can openly discuss HIV/AIDS, mental health, stigma, and institutional support systems. “We must continue creating aggressive awareness and encouraging our students to support one another. HIV/AIDS is not merely a medical issue; it is a profound social issue that requires empathy, deep understanding, and collective responsibility,” Mr. Mugisha noted.
A deeply moving highlight of the commemoration was the candlelight lighting session led by the Office of the Dean of Students. Participants stood together, illuminating the lecture theater to observe a moment of silence in remembrance of those who succumbed to the virus, while symbolising a glowing wall of solidarity for those currently living with and fighting HIV.
The Power of Lived Experiences: The event’s most impactful segment featured first-hand testimonies from invited guests, including Mr. Moses Biryomumaisho, the Coordinator of People Living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIV) in Mbarara City, alongside members of his team. Mr. Biryomumaisho openly shared his personal journey of living positively with HIV, navigating societal stigma, maintaining strict treatment adherence, and dedicating his life to supporting others within urban communities.
Adding to the emotional weight of the session, a young woman born with HIV shared her inspiring testimony of growing up with the virus and defying societal misconceptions and discrimination. “I refused to allow stigma to define my future. With structural support, personal discipline, and self-acceptance, I have managed to live a healthy, purposeful life. My mission is to encourage young people never to lose hope,” she shared.
Mr. Biryomumaisho challenged the student body to prioritize regular testing, adopt responsible lifestyles, and lead peer-support networks. “Awareness begins with us. As young people, you hold the unique power to influence your peers, families, and communities through the information you share and the positive attitudes you choose to promote,” he urged.
Interactive Dialogue and Institutional Change: The commemoration transitioned into an interactive town-hall platform where students asked candid questions regarding HIV prevention strategies, status disclosure in relationships, treatment options, mental health management, and available community support systems. Facilitators and guest speakers engaged the students directly, answering technical questions and emphasizing the necessity of keeping the conversation alive beyond the walls of the lecture theater.
University leaders concluded by calling on student influencers to use their leadership platforms responsibly to champion public health, dismantle discrimination, and nurture an inclusive campus environment. The event further proved that higher education institutions remain critical anchors for driving public health awareness and grooming socially responsible citizens.
Applauding a Champion of Awareness: Ms. Jackieline Nabimanya
As we reflect on the success of this memorial, Mbarara University of Science and Technology extends its deepest appreciation to Ms. Jackieline Nabimanya from the Office of the Dean of Students.
Ms. Nabimanya stands consistently at the absolute forefront of creating HIV/AIDS awareness among our youth. Her relentless dedication is felt across the university through the design and distribution of educational Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials, and her frequent motivational talks addressing high-risk behavioral changes.
By actively conducting peer-to-peer mentorship, hosting strategic talk shows, and systematically disseminating the MUST HIV/AIDS Institutional Policy through university newsletters and digital platforms, her exemplary work continues to safeguard our student community. We applaud your unwavering commitment, Ms. Jackieline, to nurturing a healthy, informed, and future-ready generation at MUST!
