The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) has rolled out lenacapavir, a long-acting injectable Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) drug for HIV prevention administered once every six months, in a move aimed at strengthening its HIV response efforts.

The rollout took place at the HIV Centre at the General Military Hospital in Bombo, where senior military health officials described the introduction as a significant step forward in combating HIV infections within the force and beyond.

Speaking during the launch, the Joint Staff for Health Services, Major General Dr Ambrose Musinguzi, said the new intervention comes at a critical time in the fight against HIV.

“The introduction of this new technology is an added weapon in our arsenal. It comes at the right time and strengthens the gains we have already made in the fight against HIV,” he said.

He noted that the UPDF has consistently implemented a comprehensive HIV prevention strategy combining testing, treatment, behavioural interventions, and biomedical approaches, contributing to a reduction in infections over time.

However, he emphasized that the evolving nature of HIV prevention requires continued innovation, sustained community engagement, and ongoing capacity building among health workers.

Musinguzi also cautioned against misinformation surrounding new health technologies, urging health personnel to prioritize accurate communication to ensure proper understanding and uptake.

“This drug will be a game changer, but like all new interventions, it requires clear communication, proper guidance, and strong systems to support its implementation,” he added.

The Director of HIV/AIDS in the UPDF, Lt Col Evelyn Asiimwe, said the rollout aligns with Uganda’s national target of ending HIV/AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.

“Today, we are excited to roll out this long-acting HIV prevention injection within the UPDF. While oral PrEP has been available, uptake has not been optimal, and this new option provides a more convenient and effective alternative,” she said.

She highlighted that despite progress made over the years, new HIV infections remain high, making it necessary to adopt innovative and targeted prevention strategies.

According to Asiimwe, the UPDF has already received an initial batch of doses, with the General Military Hospital Bombo and another military facility designated as rollout sites, supported by satellite centres to expand access.

More than 50 health workers have been trained to administer the injection, and systems are being integrated into outpatient and maternal health services to improve accessibility.

Dr Denis Bwayo, Programme Director of the University Research Company (URC)-UPDF HIV Programme, stressed the importance of careful implementation, especially in determining eligibility criteria suited to the military context.

He also pointed to the need for strong supply chain systems to ensure that clients receive follow-up doses without interruption, noting that the injection is administered every six months.

“We must ensure that once clients are enrolled, the system can track them and provide subsequent doses without interruption,” he said.

Bwayo emphasized continued HIV testing among beneficiaries and the importance of demand creation through targeted communication strategies.

He commended the UPDF HIV programme’s performance, revealing that more than 22,000 clients are currently receiving treatment across 31 ART clinics, with viral suppression rates consistently above 95 percent.

Representing the Ministry of Health, Dr Miamuna Kinalwa from the AIDS Control Programme described the rollout as a sign of Uganda’s commitment to advancing innovation in HIV prevention.

“This marks a significant step in expanding prevention choices. However, we must remain vigilant in monitoring outcomes, strengthening health worker capacity, and ensuring proper use of this intervention,” she said.

She reaffirmed government support for scaling up the intervention and integrating it into existing health systems nationwide.

Dr Mary Kiba from the Department of HIV at the General Military Hospital Bombo explained that Lenacapavir is a first-in-class capsid inhibitor that prevents HIV from replicating in the body.

She noted that the drug is administered as a subcutaneous injection and offers protection for up to six months, making it a practical alternative to daily oral prevention methods.

“This is a long-awaited innovation. With just one injection, an individual is protected for six months, addressing adherence challenges associated with daily medication,” she said.

Dr Kiba added that the drug is particularly suitable for individuals who face challenges with daily pill regimens or experience stigma linked to oral HIV prevention methods.

The launch brought together senior UPDF leadership, officials from the Ministry of Health, implementing partners, and healthcare workers, marking a milestone in Uganda’s ongoing efforts to reduce new HIV infections and strengthen prevention strategies.