Africa’s first priest to declare HIV-positive status
After the death of his wife from an Aids-related illness in 1992, Gideon Byamugisha tested positive for HIV. Treament options in Uganda were few and social stigma was strong.
Reverend Canon Gideon Byamugisha had just been ordained when he tested positive for HIV. The stigma was immense at the time in Uganda, particularly for a priest. Many urged Gideon to keep his diagnosis a secret, but he refused. Instead, he turned his experience into a campaign against stigma, travelling globally to advocate for compassion toward people living with Aids. He also questioned whether he was the only priest living with HIV and went on to co-found Inerela+, the International Network of Religious Leaders Living with or Personally Affected by HIV and Aids.
Producer: Eric Mugaju
Presenter: Mobeen Azhar
Get in touch: outlook@bbc.com or WhatsApp +44 330 678 2707
(Photo: Reverend Canon Gideon Byamugisha. Credit: Grace Natukunda)
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