43 organisations took part in this, the very first Annual General Assembly of the MARPs Network. All the organisations at the event work with most at-risk populations - in terms of contracting HIV. Key discussions focused on future membership categories and criteria for membership as well as priorities for the new Network's early work plans.
Perhaps the most important business was the choosing of 5 members to join the Board of Directors. Organisations targeting one of the 5 most at-risk groupings (sex workers, sexual minorities, long distance truckers, fisher folk and people living with HIV / AIDS) each went into an electoral college made up of others targeting the same at risk grouping. In a good natured and serious discussion 5 new Directors were duly announced and celebrated by the rest of the participants. The new Directors will serve initially for one year.
The 43 participants plus the members of the Network Staff team together with an independent chair and rapporteur meant that over 50 people just about squeezed into the conference room.
Dr Geoffrey Mujisha - the Network's Executive Director - (on the left) appreciates a participant's contribution
This point is being enthusiastically explained!
Veronica Asaba from Hoima in Western Uganda was chosen by her peers to be a Director 'representing' the interests of people living with HIV / AIDS. Next to her is Tadeo who gracefully accepted the runner-up position.
This is the group 'representing' the interests of "Fisher Folk" discussing who they should choose to be their Director.A very inspiring day with participants very pleased to be in Jinja to finally launch the new Network after several years of hard lobbying and fund-raising!
