OBJECTIVES: Estimating the financial benefit or cost of  using anti-retroviral medications (ARVs) for treating HIV in Uganda in light of poor concordance, risk of treatment resistant strains developing, patients living longer and the potentially increased risk of spreading the virus. METHODS: We performed a cost-benefit study to analyze the effects, in monetary terms, of ARVs in Uganda, from the societal perspective. Data were obtained from administering institutions such as the ministry of health, identified non-governmental organizations such as The Aids Support Organization (TASO), Mildmay International, and research centers plus published literature. Human capital approach was used to estimate costs. Monetary estimates were available in Uganda shillings and their dollar equivalents were computed. The study included programs specifically funded by donor funds and/or the Ugandan government. RESULTS: The estimated net benefit from ARVs for a year was estimated at $8,250 per patient. Benefits were in the form of improved productivity resulting from prolonged life overall with minimal counter-effects of developing treatment resistant strains and increased risk of spreading the virus. One-way sensitivity analysis showed the net benefit to vary from $1,656 to $13,871. CONCLUSIONS: Using ARVs to treat HIV in Uganda is cost beneficial for the Ugandan society.