AIDS has become an issue in Uganda's elections, as current President Yoweri Museveni has publicly stated that Dr. Kizza Besigye, his political rival, is HIV-positive. While Besigye has not said what his HIV status is, he declared Saturday, "I have absolutely no doubt that there is no medical condition that I suffer from which can preclude me from doing the duties of president." In a country where, in some areas, 25 percent of adults are infected with HIV, Museveni's ploy has actually benefited Besigye, since many patients are voters and polls show that Besigye has about 40 percent of the vote. Having reduced overall infection rates from 30 percent to about 10 percent, Uganda is considered a success story in the battle against AIDS. Uganda's presidential elections will be held today.
Other CDC News for March 12, 2001
