Community Based Organizations in Uganda: A Youth Initiative

The Makerere University Students AIDS Control Association (MUSACA) was formed in February 1988 at a time when only 2 districts out of 33 in Uganda had not reported AIDS cases. MUSACA was created out of students concern that the people in their home areas were still ignorant about the causes and transmission of AIDS. Their goal was to disseminate what they had learned in their science and medical courses to their communities of origin teaching from their homes. MUSACA sought funding especially to cover fares home and the costs of bicycles to use to tour the countryside from various international organizations. The motivation for forming MUSACA reflect the values and attitudes of a group of young educated Ugandan upper and middle class students the segment of the population to which most of the Ministry of Healths AIDS prevention propaganda appeared to be directed despite the governments professed goal of reaching the general population masses. Uganda is nonetheless currently at the forefront of community-based organization against AIDS in Africa.