This programme aims at a gendered outlook of HIV and AIDS programmes, incorporating the principles of rights as articulated in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. It promotes HIV prevention and positive living. It also supports People with Disabilities, the Elderly and the Functional Illiterate.

Activities:

  • To develop the capacity of Community Based Organizations
  • To mobilize institutions such as schools to mainstream HIV & Gender concerns
  • To supporting the diffusion of HCT services at sub-county levels
  • To operare a land rights office for legal advise
  • To participate in research and policy change advocacy
  • To participate in the Girls Education Movement, spearheaded by the URDT Gilrs’ school
  • To raise consciouness amongst URDT students and their parents
Below some of the programme highlights


Draft National Land Policy prepared and presented to the Ministry of Lands
URDT’s Land rights office, the Uganda Land Alliance (ULA) and VEDCO, worked closely with the Ministry of Lands and Urban Development and presented the 4th draft of the National Land Policy in Kampala in May 27, 2010. H.E. the president of Uganda was the Chief Guest.

Dialogues on good governance and sustainable development organised
URDT organised 3 dialogues between leaders and the rural communities on sustainable development and to demand for transparency, accountability and peaceful coexistence of multiple tribes and religious groups.

Research on women’s aspirations on land and land matters carried out

Results of an action research project by URDT using the Visionary Approach in finding “Women’s Aspirations on Land and Land Matters was part of the case studies presented on a symposium organised by the International Development Research Center and International Land Coalition in Nairobi in September 2010. Recommendations of the symposium were part of various policy advocacy strategies in the efforts for Women’s Land rights in Africa. A similar strategy is now being piloted in post Conflict situation of Northern Uganda in Securing Women’s’ rights to land in partnership with Rural Development Initiative (RDI) and CHAFORD. Success of the PAR method of visioning was shared with women and men from Eastern & Southern Africa in the Learning Route organized by Procasur. Women researchers in the community shared their insights through an advocacy video.

HIV/AIDS awareness and testing & councelling programme implemented

Our consciousness raising campaigns with the youth in Kibaale on HIV and AIDS reached 1,466 youth from the sub-counties of Kyanaisoke, Mpeefu, Rugashari, Kagadi and Kagadi town council.

In collaboration with Kagadi Hospital and Kibaale Health Department we took HIV and AIDS testing and Counselling services closer to the respective sub-counties. Using theater for development the visionary, futuristic life orientation was promoted. As result, 2,578 people (678 youth, 1864 adults and 39 children) were tested.

Kyalizonza Mathias a motor cyclist vividly testified that the drama was very educative and relevant to the practices of the youths in town. The youth in town take it for granted that they known very thing concerning HIV but they are not conscious of their behaviors. He learnt that Testing for HIV is very important and yet youth have fear. He called upon other youths to educate their friends and peers to take change the sexual behaviors to avoid last hour regrets.

The URDT HIV/AIDS programme also reached youth in-and out-of school in 5 secondary schools and 5 community based organisations in the above mentioned sub counties. Peer education has been a successful method to reach youth in the prevention of HIV and AIDS.

Natunda Jovius from Rugashari S.S says. ‘‘I’m happy to talk on radio to educate my fellow girls to avoid boda boda men and businesses men whose mission is exploit us girls sexually’’

93 HIV/AIDS peer educators trained and 2113 people tested

URDT implemented the village reflection and dialogue project on harmful social and sexual norms that lead to sexual transmission of HIV and AIDS among the youth. Its goal was to contribute to reduction of HIV& AIDS prevalence from 11% to 6%. Interventions included school debates (see picture on the top right), radio programmes, youth camp, abstinence clubs and village meetings.

The project did 18 talk shows on radio with youths, leaders and PLWHA, to enhance prevention, and positive living and good health. 180 jingle spots were aired to popularizing ABC and HCT.

The project evaluated its 2009 interventions where 24 teachers, 15 youth leaders were trained in gender and HIV and AIDS responsive planning and budgeting. They all have mainstreamed HIV and gender related activities in their plans and budgets. The project also supported 12 community outreaches reaching 2113 people (42% women) with HCT services. Out of those 42 people tested positive of which a small percentage (4.5%) was below 18 years.

There are still some misconceptions on issues of HIV/AIDS prevention and spread. For example some people still believe that pork can cure HIV/AIDS, mosquitoes can transmit HIV or that condoms are infected with HIV. T

The HIV/AIDS programme was carried out in partnership with the District Health Department, Kagadi Hospital; Kagadi Post Test Club. It received back up support from the Monitoring and Evaluation Unit of Civil Society Fund.

Funding permissed, we would like to resume programmes targeting married men and women as the current national trends indicate that they are the most at risk group.