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PUBLIC STATEMENT: CEHURD's Statement on Compulsory HIV Testing of Suspects Prior to Detention

The Center for Health, Human Rights and Development (CEHURD) expresses profound concern over reports regarding the Uganda Police Force’s “Breaking the Barriers Initiative,” which proposes compulsory screening for HIV, Tuberculosis, and Malaria for all suspects prior to detention.

While recognizing the goal of controlling infectious diseases, CEHURD maintains that mandatory HIV testing violates human rights, constitutional protections, and international public health standards. HIV testing must remain voluntary, confidential, and based on informed consent, as coercive approaches are unethical, ineffective, and risk increasing stigma while driving people away from care.

We warn that using health interventions through a security lens undermines public trust and weakens Uganda’s HIV response, which has been built on consent, confidentiality, and community engagement. The organisation calls on Government and Parliament to halt any compulsory HIV testing of suspects and instead strengthen voluntary, rights-based health services in detention settings that respect human dignity and the rule of law.

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