A Message of Hope, Unity, and Responsibility to the Women, Youth, and People of Uganda

By His Grace Dr. John Baptist Odama
Archbishop Emeritus of Gulu

My dear sons and daughters of Northern Uganda, the Acholi Subregion, and our beloved nation of Uganda,
I greet you with peace, love, and the hope that God’s grace may continue to guide our actions, strengthen our hearts, and illuminate our future.
As our communities come together under the Torch of Hope and the National HIV/AIDS Awareness Campaign, I give thanks to God for this noble mission. I extend my heartfelt appreciation to the Uganda AIDS Commission, Village Journeys Africa, our civic leaders, faith institutions, health teams, the youth, and every Ugandan standing with courage and compassion in this fight against HIV and AIDS.
This year’s theme, “Together We Lead, Communities Taking Charge to End AIDS by 2030”, is a sacred call. It invites each of us to become a beacon of love, knowledge, and responsibility in our homes, churches, schools, and workplaces.

The Torch of Hope: A Journey Across Uganda

The Torch of Hope travels across our country as a powerful symbol of unity and shared commitment.
The schedule is as follows:
• 16th November – Mbale City
• 23rd November – Gulu City
(Northern Uganda’s flagship Walk • Cycle • Run at Kawunda Grounds — come one, come all!)
• 25th November – Masaka City
• 28th November – Mbarara City
• 29th November – Partners, Members & Sponsors Dinner – Bushenyi
• 1st December – National World AIDS Day Commemoration – Kizinda-Ishaka Town Council, Bushenyi District

This year’s National Commemoration will be hosted by His Excellency Gen. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, President of the Republic of Uganda.

Gulu City Welcomes the Torch

With deep joy and spiritual pride, I announce that Gulu City will receive the Torch of Hope on Saturday, 23rd November 2025, at Kawunda Grounds for the Walk • Cycle • Run for Life.
To all the people of Gulu, Acholi, and Northern Uganda — women, men, and the youth, I invite you wholeheartedly to join us. Together, let us stand in unity and faith. HIV and AIDS have touched nearly every family, leaving wounds in our communities and taking loved ones from us.
Now is the time to rise together in love, knowledge, and commitment, and declare that we will finish this fight. Let our actions show that our hearts are stronger than the pain we have endured, and that we believe in a future free from HIV and AIDS.

A Call to Action

This national movement invites every Ugandan to walk, cycle, or run in solidarity as the Torch of Hope travels through our cities.
Be part of this transformative journey by purchasing your official Walk, Cycle, Run Kit at only UGX 30,000.

Pay via Mobile Money:
Airtel Money: Merchant ID 6902732
MTN MoMo: Merchant ID 349246
For information: +256 772 165 466, UAC, and Gulu City Council
Visit: villagejourneys.com

A Word to the People

To the Women of Uganda
You are the backbone of our families and the pillars of our communities. Continue nurturing your homes with wisdom, safeguarding your health, and leading with grace and courage.
To the Youth
You are the torchbearers of our nation’s future. Honor the gift of life. Let your strength build, unite, and inspire. Lead this campaign with discipline, compassion, and responsibility.
To All Citizens of Uganda
We are one family — entrusted by God to care for one another. Ending HIV and AIDS is not only a health mission; it is a moral and spiritual journey of renewal, unity, and love. When we stand together in truth and respect, we heal as a nation.

A Future of Hope

May the Torch of Hope shine across Mbale, Gulu, Masaka, Mbarara, Bushenyi, and the entire nation — reminding us that through faith and collective action, we can build a Uganda of dignity, compassion, and good health.
May we work toward a future free from stigma, ignorance, and despair.
I bless all who have joined this noble cause — our leaders, partners, sponsors, health workers, and every participant.
May God strengthen your hands and renew your hearts as we journey toward a future filled with life, love, and hope.

Together, we lead.
Together, we live.
Together, we love.