Jinja High Court Orders TASO to Compensate Man Wrongly Diagnosed with HIV

Jinja, Uganda —The Jinja High Court has directed The AIDS Support Organisation (TASO) to pay compensation to a man who was wrongly diagnosed as HIV positive and placed on antiretroviral therapy (ART) for seven years.

According to court records, the patient was repeatedly tested and declared HIV positive, leading him to undergo continuous treatment for seven years.

It was only after further medical evaluation that it was confirmed he was never infected with HIV, highlighting a critical failure in diagnostic procedures.

During the hearing, the court noted that the misdiagnosis not only exposed the patient to unnecessary lifelong medication but also caused emotional trauma, social stigma, and potential health risks associated with prolonged antiretroviral therapy.

The judge emphasized the responsibility of medical institutions to ensure accurate testing and uphold patients’ rights.

TASO, a leading non-governmental organisation providing HIV care and support in Uganda, was held accountable for negligence.

The ruling underscores the importance of proper verification protocols before initiating long-term treatment and serves as a precedent for similar cases involving medical misdiagnosis.

Legal experts say the compensation amount will reflect both the psychological suffering and the financial burden endured by the patient due to the unnecessary treatment.

TASO has been directed to comply with the ruling promptly.

The case has reignited discussions on patient safety, diagnostic accuracy, and the need for rigorous oversight in HIV testing and treatment services across the country.