Byamukama Alozious is health reporter with Mama FM radio station and works closely with AHF Uganda Cares to highlight their initiatives. His story is next in our “I Am AHF” series featuring remarkable staff, clients, and partners who are doing what’s right to save lives everyday.
As a journalist at Mama FM, a women-centered radio station, I have come to deeply value the impact of advocacy journalism and the organizations driving change on the ground.
My passion for journalism began early. I was always curious and loved listening to the radio. In school, I became the student information officer because I enjoyed keeping up with everything—from politics to community issues. Over time, I realized I didn’t just want to consume information; I wanted to share it. That’s what led me to study journalism.
Joining Mama FM was a perfect fit. As a gender-sensitive media house, it prioritizes issues of gender equality, health, and gender-based violence (GBV). Coming from a background where GBV and poor health awareness were common, I wanted to be part of changing that reality—not just for my family, but for my community and Uganda at large. That is why community health journalism and advocacy are at the core of my work.
AHF has transformed my perspective in many ways. In the past, I felt embarrassed to even mention condoms or talk openly about sexual and reproductive health. But through AHF’s work, I’ve learned to discuss HIV prevention, family planning, and STI care without stigma.
On a personal level, AHF has played a significant role in my life. As I prepared for marriage with my wife, I sought services at one of AHF Uganda Cares’ clinics. The care and reassurance we received strengthened our confidence.
Growing up, I had also learned that my father was living with HIV. Seeing him live a healthy life on treatment taught me the importance of testing and care—a lesson reinforced by AHF, and one I now share widely.
My first direct encounter with AHF Uganda Cares was in 2021, when I saw their mobile clinic in Kampala. The bold message— “Do you know your HIV status? Get tested today”—spoke to me. Though I didn’t test that day, I later encouraged my girlfriend to test with me. We received real-time results and compassionate care. In April 2024, as my fiancée and I prepared for marriage, we tested again at Dr. Charles Farthing Clinic—this time as a symbol of trust and shared responsibility.
More recently, while covering a story, I visited the Kitante Wellness Centre, AHF’s hub for STI screening and treatment. Knowing my partner had previously faced STI-related health issues, we both sought care there—and once again received free, professional treatment.
Professionally, AHF has strengthened my journalism. Their programs and advocacy have given me credible information, helping me tell stories on HIV prevention, stigma, and sexual health with greater accuracy, sensitivity, and impact. As a result, I’ve become a more trusted health journalist, even winning the Heroes in Health “Journalist of the Year” award.
Beyond reporting, I’ve also collaborated with AHF Uganda Cares in covering their events, from media conferences and community cafés to national dialogues and campaigns such as mpox awareness and Pandemic Agreement advocacy. These experiences allowed me to amplify vital health messages and gain deeper insight into AHF’s impact.
Ultimately, AHF Uganda Cares has shifted my perspective—not just as a journalist, but as a person. I now see healthcare as a right, not a privilege. Through their work, I’ve grown into both a stronger journalist and a committed advocate, and I hope more people can experience the same empowerment and support.
