The History Of CASSO

Since the out break of HIV/AIDS became a public concern in 1982, the Government of Uganda recognising the pervasive nature of the disease established the Uganda AIDS Control Programme (UACP) in the Ministry of Health in 1987. Owing to the dynamics, magnitude, behavioural and other effects of the epidemic, the Uganda AIDS Commission (UAC) was also set up in 1992 with a multi-sectoral approach.

The multi-sectoral approach recognises the stakeholders namely; Government ministries, AIDS service organisations, Civil society organisations, Religious institutions (Church), Research institutions, Development  partners, associations and groups  of persons living with HIV/AIDS (PHAs) and their role in fighting AIDS. Accordingly  the  National Strategic  Framework  for HIV/AIDS activities in Uganda, 2000/1 -2005/6, was developed  and emphasises  the multi-sectoral  and collective responsibility  to HIV/AIDs control as well as  the need  for the various actors to plan  interventions  that  aim at enhancing  prevention and mitigation of the adverse effects of the epidemic at the community, family and individual levels.

The Catholic church, in response, rolled out a functional National  strategic plan of action for HIV/AIDS (2001-2006) in which one of the undertakings is establishing  AIDS prevention and mitigation  initiatives  in the church  and educational institutions.