By the way, we aim for 99:99:99—our targets are always set higher than the national ones. - Evarlyne Buregyeya Asiimwe

The UPDF was one of the key organizations that led the fight against HIV/AIDS, with guidance from the Commander-in-Chief. As one of the pioneering institutions, combining this effort with our regular military duties—especially in hard-to-reach areas—was no small accomplishment. It's an achievement we should not underestimate. Due to our presence in these remote regions, we have a responsibility to provide services not just to our soldiers, but also to the surrounding communities. As a result, the civilian populations in these areas have greatly benefited from our outreach efforts.

In the structured environment of the military, we are better equipped to identify when a colleague is struggling. Peers play a key role in providing psychosocial support, as they are often the first to recognize when someone needs help. The peer support model is effective because of the strong bonds formed in the military. Soldiers quickly become like family, living and working together closely. If someone is affected, their peers are likely to notice, sometimes even through the chain of command.

Our partners provide two key contributions. First, they bring in technical expertise that is not readily available within the military, allowing us to access specialist healthcare workers. Second, they ensure that resources are used efficiently, ensuring that funds allocated to programs are spent effectively and achieve their intended outcomes. They report both to the funders and to the military for program implementation. Partners help by hiring skilled professionals on a short-term basis, such as physicians, to carry out specific tasks. Additionally, they ensure that all activities align with the guidelines set by their funders while also delivering services to the military.