Everything has its pros and cons. From a practical standpoint, the military encourages open discussions about any issue. However, this approach can s… - 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.

Some of the challenges we face involve "pulling ropes," especially when it comes to context. In today’s world, global factors affect nearly everything. Implementing programs in a unique environment can be difficult because it’s challenging for partners or donors to fully understand and perceive the situation as you do. For example, with HIV mobile testing, some may find it difficult to accept the idea of bringing services directly to people, which can seem unusual. Global programs often come with challenges in creating interventions that truly address the specific needs and realities on the ground.

The primary challenge remains reaching soldiers stationed in very remote areas, especially since, during wartime, they are not allowed to move freely or travel alone. It’s not feasible to send just one soldier for testing; instead, we must move them in groups. To address this, we established teams equipped with security escorts to carry testing kits and reach soldiers in their deployed locations. Whether in a room, an open space, a tent, or even under a tree, these teams would set up a secure and professional environment to conduct testing. They ensured that the space was spacious and maintained confidentiality, even in such remote settings. Initially, we conducted one-on-one counseling and testing, but over time, as stigma decreased, we shifted to group counseling and testing, making the process more efficient and inclusive.