>>>Background
Spontaneous community responses and inevitable response
from health care facilities were reinforced in 1986 when
the new National Resistance Movement (NRM) government
established the first AIDS Control Program in Ministry
of Health.
As early as 1987, the Government of Uganda recognized
that the magnitude and impact of the HIV/AIDS epidemic
cut across all sectors of life. The Multi-sectoral Approach
to the Control of AIDS (MACA)
was developed and adopted in 1992 to ensure a concerted
response. This policy and strategy calls for the involvement
of everyone, individually or collectively to fight the
epidemic within their mandates and capacities at all levels.
The Uganda AIDS Commission (UAC) was established, by Statute
of Parliament, in 1992 under the Office of the President,
to ensure a focused and harmonized response. Uganda's
response to the epidemic, spearheaded by H.E President
Museveni, has been marked with high political commitment
at various levels, openness about HIV/AIDS that enhanced
behaviour change communication interventions, unprecedented
support from international development partners; and action
from sectors of government and civil society.
>>> Mandate
UAC was established by the Parliamentary Statute No. 2 of 1992, situating it under the Office of the President. The mandate of the Commission is to oversee, plan and coordinate AIDS prevention and control activities throughout Uganda, in particular, to:
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Formulate policy and establish program priorities for the control of the AIDS epidemic and management of its consequences throughout the country;
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Ensure proper planning and coordination of all AIDS control policies and programs within the overall program strategy;
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Identify obstacles to the implementation of AIDS control policies and programs and ensure the implementation and attainment of program activities and targets;
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Mobilize, expedite and monitor resources for the AIDS control program and activities;
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Disseminate information on the AIDS epidemic and its consequences in Uganda and on the program activities for its control;
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Supervise all activities relating to the control of the AIDS epidemic in Uganda, in particular, regarding—
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health care and counseling of AIDS patients;
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the welfare of bereaved orphans and survivors of AIDS victims;
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the provision of medical supplies and equipment;
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the handling of socio-economic, cultural and legal issues related to the AIDS epidemic; and
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bio-medical research and surveillance into the AIDS epidemic and methods of its prevention and control;
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Find a drug for the cure of the AIDS disease; and\
- Perform such other functions relating to the prevention or control of the AIDS epidemic in Uganda, as the Commission may deem necessary.
The UAC Statute has been reviewed taking into account the evolving epidemic and response. The revised Statute has been presented to the Minister for Presidency to present to Cabinet.
The UAC mandate has over the years been translated into the following key function areas:
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Guide policy formulation and establishment of programme priorities
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Take the lead in national planning and monitoring
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Spearhead advocacy for HIV/AIDS activities
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Identify obstacles to the national response
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Mobilize and monitor resource allocation and utilization
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Foster linkages among partners
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Gather and disseminate information
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Promote HIV/AIDS related research
UAC does not engage in direct implementation of HIV/AIDS programs but is expected to provide strategic leadership by ensuring effective harmonization of the HIV/AIDS related activities of the various players within agreed policy and program parameters.
>>> Mission
The mission of Uganda Aids Commission is to provide overall leadership in the coordination and management of an effective HIV/AIDS National Response.
>>> Vision
UAC efforts are geared toward the realization of “a population free of HIV/AIDS and its effects”.
>>>Core Values:
UAC’s organizational philosophy is anchored in the following four core values:
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Teamwork: defined by team members who practice openness, +transparency, flexibility, loyalty and trust;
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Client focus: understanding stakeholder needs and giving attention to their priorities; being accountable to the stakeholders at all times; fostering a rights based approach, social justice and equity;
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Professionalism: having professional demeanor and conduct, integrity in all actions, time management, mutual and self respect, as well as the requisite technical competences;
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A Learning Organization: embracing change, commitment to continual improvement, sharing knowledge and best practices.
>>>Organization Profile
Uganda subscribes to the global Principle of ‘ the Three Ones' in its efforts to coordinate the National Response. The 3 Ones calls for One National HIV/AIDS Coordinating Authority with a broad-based multi-sectoral mandate; One HIV/AIDS Action Framework that provides the basis for implementation by all partners; and One agreed Country-Level Monitoring and Evaluation System. UAC is the supra-sectoral agency responsible for overseeing, planning and coordinating the National Response in the country. It coordinates through the Uganda HIV/AIDS Partnership Mechanism.
UAC is a corporate body governed by a Commission (Board) whose members are appointed by the President. The Board presently it is composed of 10 members drawn from the government and non-government sectors, People Living with HIV/AIDS (PHAs) and individuals who are selected for their outstanding expertise and commitment to the HIV/AIDS struggle. The Commission is chaired by a full-time Chairperson and, is serviced by a full time Secretariat. The Commission meets regularly to receive and discuss technical and policy issues from stakeholder consultations through the Partnership Structure
Established in 1990, the UAC Secretariat (UACS) is headed by a Director General who is also the Chief Executive and Secretary to the Commission. The role of the Secretariat is to implement the Commission's decisions and to advise on all technical matters relating to the role of UAC. The Director General is appointed by the President.
The structure of the UACS hinges on three Directorates: Policy, Advocacy and Knowledge management which houses the National Documentation and Information Centre (NADIC); Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation; and Finance and Administration.
