History+Of+Uganda-+SP11

__**﻿History of Uganda **__

Uganda has been in habitation ever since the time around 500 B.C. The first people to ever live in this country were the Bantus. When the Bantu tribe first migrated they brought many of their skills along with them. These skills (agriculture, ironworking skills, and political/social skills) came into play when the Bantus were beginning to develop a civilization. As the civilization prospered the Bantus established three different divisions known as Buganda, Bunyoro, and Ankole. Travlers didn’t take interest in Uganda until the late 19th century. By that time Arab’s were looking for slaves and ivory. Shortly after the Arabs came the Europeans also began exploring. In the 1890's Uganda became an official protectorate of Britain. To have a protectorate is to have a relation with another country that is stronger. The stronger country then is able to take partial control of it in exchange for protection. Uganda was under the colonial rule for quite some time. It wasn’t until 1962 when Uganda was independent. Now Uganda is considered as a Republic.

__**History of HIV/AIDS in Uganda **__

HIV/AIDS in Uganda first originated on the shores of Lake Victoria. Through sexual networks and major highways the virus of HIV spread rapidly throughout the region. The first person ever to be diagnosed with the virus was in the year of 1982. During the epidemic the prevalence rates were continuing to rise to the 30 percentile. In 1986 Yoweri Musuveni was president at the time. At the sight of the prevalence rates President Musuveni realized that something had to be done in order to fix the growing issue. It was then when the country took a turn for the best and started to spread HIV/AIDS awareness. Only a year later from the official first diagnose, Uganda began flourishing different HIV/AIDS prevention programs such as the Aids Support Organization (TASO). Uganda also adopted a popular program called A.B.C. (Abstain, be faithful, and use condoms). With programs such as the A.B.C. the prevalence rates began to decrease swiftly. The people of Uganda were beginning to understand the harsh realties of HIV/AIDS and took precaution upon themselves. Ten years later from the peak of the HIV/AIDS in 1991, HIV/AIDS had lowered to 5% in 2001.

__**Present Day Uganda **__

Today, Uganda is recovering since it's epidemic after the civil war. However, prevalence rates have steadily been creeping up once again. They continue to supply free ATV (anti-retroviral) drugs and employ anti-AIDS educational programs. Additionally PMTCT (prevention of mother-to-child transmission) programs are being expanded due to the startling 18% of those who have AIDS recieving it from their mother. As of now there are 6.5% of people who have HIV/AIDS also, there is only 0.7% of children who are affected. In recent statistics there has been 120,000 infected people in the year 2009, which outweighed the annual death number of 64,000. Throughout all Ugandans there is the lingering fear throughout the that the HIV/AIDS epidemic may be on the rise once again.

__**Significant Figures **__ Yoweri Museveni:

Museveni assumed the position of President of Uganda in 1986 and is still currently running the country. He is a very committed individual in the fight against AIDS. During his time as President, he has accepted the Society for Women and AIDS in Africa (SWAA) award for Uganda. Through his activism, the prevention of the disease is increasing; the infection rate of the virus has dropped to single digits. Museveni has also organized a conference, bringing in potential donors for prevention. He additionally established the National AIDS Control Program with the Ministry of Health.

Dr. Joshua Musinguzi:  Dr. Joshua Musinguzias is the program manager for the AIDS Control Program (ACP). Musinguzias states that the program is set up to help prevent the spread of the virus. The program additionally called for a process to treat individuals infected with AIDS. Musinguzi talked about the program’s message, which revolves around abstinence, loyalty towards a person’s partner, and condom use. The ACP has advertised its points to the community, in an attempt to reach out to the country.

Christopher Kaleeba Ssembajjwe :

Christopher was the founder of The Aids Support Organization (TASO). Christopher was also one of the many people who suffered from AIDS. He experienced first hand what it was like to be inflicted with the disease. Christopher realized that he had to do something so that the people of Uganda as well as the the other countries wouldn't have to go through life suffering like he did. After much work and dedcation to the organization he die d of AIDS on January 23rd 1987.

