Civil society organisations in Uganda have raised concerns over limited involvement in the planned rollout of a new long-acting antiretroviral drug, lenacapavir for HIV prevention, urging authorities to ensure inclusive planning and community engagement.
The concerns emerged during a virtual meeting convened by HEPS-Uganda on March 17, 2026, which brought together 53 HIV prevention advocates. The meeting aimed to introduce the national rollout plan for Lenacapavir and to develop strategies for coordinated civil society participation in its implementation.
HEPS-Uganda Executive Director Kenneth Mwehonge said preparations for the rollout were progressing quickly following the arrival of the first consignment of 19,200 doses in February, valued at about $1.1 million. The supply was funded by the Global Fund and the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation, with additional support from PEPFAR.
Uganda is among nine countries selected for early adoption of the injectable drug, which has shown high effectiveness in preventing HIV in clinical trials. Results of an HIV prevention injection containing the antiretroviral drug lenacapavir showed zero infections among over 5,300 cisgender adolescent girls and young women ages 16-26 in South Africa and Uganda.
The rollout is expected to begin with a national launch planned for April 17 in Lira City, with initial distribution targeting 100 health facilities across 41 districts. However, participants noted that while commodities are ready for distribution, it remains unclear when administration to clients will begin.
Advocates expressed concern over what they described as limited consultation in selecting rollout sites and a lack of clarity on eligibility criteria, raising fears that key populations, including those in refugee settlements and prisons, could be excluded.
Participants also warned of low community awareness ahead of the rollout, cautioning that failure to engage communities early could repeat challenges experienced during the introduction of oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in 2017, which saw low uptake and high discontinuation rates.
“There is an urgent need for meaningful civil society engagement in both planning and demand creation to avoid past mistakes,” one participant noted during the discussions.
Concerns were also raised about gaps in communication, including the absence of Ministry of Health-approved information materials, which advocates say is delaying community sensitisation efforts.
Participants called for clear messaging on eligibility, effectiveness, and possible side effects of Lenacapavir to build public confidence. They also highlighted the need for training health workers, strengthening peer educator networks, and ensuring facilities are prepared to deliver the new service.
The meeting further emphasised the importance of reaching marginalised and high-risk populations through tailored, community-based approaches, particularly in areas with limited access to digital information.
Mwehonge said HEPS-Uganda would compile key concerns and engage the Ministry of Health to ensure stronger coordination and a more inclusive rollout process.
Health advocates say that while Lenacapavir presents a major opportunity to strengthen HIV prevention in Uganda, its success will depend on early community engagement, clear communication, and equitable access across all populations.
