NAFOPHANU Reports Steady Progress in Fundraising for New Home of Champions

The National Forum of People Living with HIV/AIDS Networks in Uganda (NAFOPHANU) has updated its members on the progress of the ongoing fundraising campaign aimed at securing a new home for the organization.

For more than 20 years, NAFOPHANU operated from a building owned by the Church of Uganda. However, the lease for the premises has since expired, with no possibility of renewal, prompting the organization to seek a permanent alternative.

NAFOPHANU is now mobilizing resources from supporters across the country to facilitate the construction of a new secretariat, commonly referred to as the “Home of Champions.”

Speaking during the Annual General Meeting held on 5 February 2026 at the Office of the Presidency in Kampala, NAFOPHANU Executive Director, Flavia Kyomukama, disclosed that the organization has so far raised approximately Shs30 million in cash contributions.

She further revealed that pledges totaling over Shs200 million have been secured, including a Shs176 million pledge from the Ministry of Local Government.

Kyomukama noted that StarTimes has also supported the fundraising drive by providing free airtime to amplify the campaign, adding that more individuals and institutions continue to pledge their support.

She further informed members that NAFOPHANU is working closely with the Uganda AIDS Commission to secure a meeting with the President, as part of efforts to mobilize additional funding to realize the dream of a new home.

In addition, Kyomukama updated members on plans by the board to participate in the Global Fund application Round 8, targeting multi-country funding to support the organization’s ongoing programs and activities.

Kyomukama further revealed plans to introduce an annual National Prayer Day to be held ahead of the commemoration of World AIDS Day.

She said the initiative would provide an opportunity for people living with HIV to thank God for the gift of life despite the challenges of AIDS, and to pray in remembrance of colleagues who have passed on.

Key highlights of the Annual General Meeting included the presentation and approval of the 2025 Annual Financial Report and Institutional Audit Report, a proposal to review and amend the NAFOPHANU Constitution, the launch of the Strategic Plan for the period 2025/26–2030/31, and the election of the Board of Directors
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While chairing the AGM, NAFOPHANU Board Chairperson, Salome Atim, urged members of the community not only to participate in HIV-related meetings and engagements, but also to attend other health outreach programs, including tuberculosis (TB) and malaria camps, emphasizing their importance to overall wellbeing.

She noted that TB remains a leading cause of death among people living with HIV, underscoring the need for increased participation in TB screening and prevention initiatives.

Atim also emphasized the importance of sustained collaboration with government structures and funding partners, calling on communities to remain engaged and persistent in advocating for their needs to ensure that HIV is no longer a public health threat.

She commended development partners, including PEPFAR, the Uganda AIDS Commission (UAC), and the Ministry of Health, among others, for standing with NAFOPHANU during a period of funding cuts.

One of the founding members of NAFOPHANU Canon Gideon Baguma, in his remarks, applauded members for their resilience but expressed concern over the persistent stigma and discrimination, which he said continues to undermine efforts to eliminate HIV by 2030.

He proposed the theme for 2026 as “Ending Stigma and Discrimination to Eliminate Mother-to-Child Transmission,” and appealed to government to subcontract NAFOPHANU to partner in the fight against discrimination targeting people living with HIV.

The Executive Secretary and Coordinator of the Uganda Country Coordinating Mechanism (CCM) for the Global Fund, Tonny Luyimbaazi, pledged the CCM’s commitment to working closely with communities to support people living with HIV.

Luyimbaazi explained that the voices of people living with HIV have not been adequately represented in engagements with various stakeholders.

As a result, the CCM is organizing a series of regional consultative meetings aimed at discussing key issues affecting communities of people living with HIV and exploring ways for them to better access Global Fund grants to improve their wellbeing.

He noted that the consultations will begin on 9 February 2026, starting with the Northern Region, followed by Mbale, the Central Region in Kampala, and Mbarara.

During the AGM, NAFOPHANU elected new board members as listed below
1. Chairperson- Ms. Salome Atim
2. Vice Chairman – Mr Richard Serunkuuma
3. Treasurer – Ms Maxensia Nakibuuka
4. National Networks – Ms Peace Baguma
5. Women – Ms Angel Laura Kyakunzire
6. Pwd – Ms Nakalanda Maureen
7. Uniformed personel – Ltn Koyoa Paul
8. Central Region Ms. Nsubuga Lydia
9. Northern Region- Mr Charles Ogatre
10. Eastern Region -Mr Nabugusi Ali
11. Western Region – Ms. Victoria Nyiragwiza
13. Professionals – Ms.Lillian Tatwebwa,
14. Professionals -Ms. Grace Nayiga and Mr. Colline Kisubi for Professionals and board continuity
15. Young People- Ms. Claire Nampenja
16. Executive Director and Ex-Officio/ Board Secretary

Meanwhile, the out going board member are listed below
1. Chairperson- Ms. Salome Atim
2.Treasurer – Ms. Jane Mwirumubi
3.National Networks – Ms Ruth Ninsiima
4. Women – Ms Peace Kaconco
5. Pwd – Ms Betty Kwagala
6. Uniformed personel – Ltn Koyoa Paul
7. Central Region Mr. Richard Serunkuuma
8. Northern Region- Mr Charles Ogatre
9. Eastern Region -Mr Nabugusi Ali
10. Western Region – Ms. Robinah Tibakanya
11. Professionals – Ms.Lillian Tatwebwa,
12. Professionals -Ms. Grace Nayiga and Professionals – Mr. Colline Kisubi for Professionals
13. Young People- Mr. Michael Ssenyonga
14. Executive Director and Ex-Officio/ Board Secretary