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	You are Here: Home » Constitution THE CONSTITUTION OF THE UGANDA NETWORK ON LAW, ETHICS AND HIV/AIDS AS AMMENDED BY THE UGANDA NETWORK ON LAW, ETHICS AND HIV/AIDS GENERAL ASSEMBLY HELD ON 12TH AUGUST 2004 ARRANGEMENT OF ARTICLES PREAMBLE ARTICLES ESTABLISHMENT OF THE UGANDA NETWORK ON HUMAN RIGHTS, LAW, ETHICS AND HIV/AIDS. VISION MISSION OBJECTIVES OF UGANET POWERS AND FUNCTIONS OF UGANET MEMBERSHIP OF UGANET ORGANS OF UGANET GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF UGANET THE POWERS AND FUNCTIONS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY EXTRA ORDINARY GENERAL MEETING OTHER MEETINGS NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE DUTIES AND FUNCTIONS OF THE NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEMBERS SECRETARIAT DISTRICT AND SUBCOUNTY NETWORKS FINANCIAL PROVISIONS BY-LAWS AMMENDMENT/ALTERATION OF CONSITTUTION DISSOLUTION THE SEAL/STAMP INTERPRETATION PREAMBLE WE, ORGANIZATIONS & INDIVIDUALS WORKING ON OR INTERESTED IN HIV/AIDS ISSUES at National, District and Community level in Uganda; INTERESTED in the creation of the Network that brings us together to respond to human rights, legal, policy, and ethical issues posed by the HIV/AIDS pandemic; RECALLING that we can complement Government efforts to reduce HIV/ AIDS infection and to mitigate the adverse social and economic effects of the pandemic; REALISING that HIV /AIDS cuts across all borders and continues to pose a challenge to human kind; AWARE That the rights of the infected, affected and afflicted people are continuously violated due to the pandemic, and that the Human Rights, legal, and ethical issues arising in the context of HIV / AIDS have not been properly and adequately addressed to date; RECOGNISING That the formation of the Network on Human Rights, Law and Ethics and HIV/AIDS would greatly enhance our capacity to address the Human Rights, Legal, Ethical Issues and implications of the pandemic; RECOGNISING further that the Human Rights, Legal, and Ethical Issues regarding HIV/AIDS are pertinent through creating an avenue for realizing that cause; DO HEREBY RESOLVE TO FORM THE UGANDA NETWORK ON HUMAN RIGHTS, LAW, ETHICS, AND HIV/AIDS TO BE GOVERNED BY THE FOLLOWING CONSTITUTION. Back to Top ARTICLE 1 - ESTABLISHEMENT OF THE UGANDA NETWORK ON HUMAN RIGHTS, LAW, ETHICS & HIV/AIDS The Uganda Network on Human Rights, Law, Ethics & HIV/ AIDS, hereinafter referred to as the "UGANET", is hereby established. The Headquarters of UGANET shall be in Kampala and its address shall be P.O BOX 70269 Kampala. UGANET shall be a Non Governmental and Non- partisan Organization and shall be governed by this Constitution. UGANET may affiliate with National, Regional and International Organizations with similar or related objectives. Back to Top ARTICLE 11 - VISION UGANET shall have a Vision Statement, which shall be developed by the National Executive Committee in consultation with UGANET Members. The Vision Statement when developed shall be incorporated as a Schedule to this Constitution and shall be an integral part of this Constitution. Back to Top ARTICLE 111 - MISSION The Mission of the UGANET is:- "To contribute to the development and strengthening of an appropriate Human Rights, Legal, Ethical and Policy response to HIV/AIDS which will facilitate collective action towards the control and eventual eradication of HIV /AIDS." Back to Top ARTICLE IV - OBJECTIVES OF UGANET 1. The objectives of UGANET are: To strengthen individual collective and institutional capacity in responding to HIV/AIDS in all dimensions of life and to enhance the sharing of experiences, resources, and information on HIV/AIDS. To review laws, policies, and ethical guidelines that have implications to the HIV/AIDS pandemic, and make recommendations to Government and other related bodies. To bring about appropriate reforms of the Law, Ethics and Policy guidelines to address the pertinent HIV/AIDS issues. To sensitize legislators, Policy makers, the Community, Cultural and Religious leaders, legal practitioners, and NGOs on issues of Human Rights, Law Ethics and HIV/ AIDS with an aim of aiding them to identify applicable Laws and gaps in the legal system with respect to HIV/AIDS To train and sensitize Law and enforcement officers and Human Rights activities regarding the protection of the rights of People living with HIV/ AIDS and those affected by it and other members of the public. To organize consensus workshops for the review of customary and other practices which contribute to the spread of HIV/AIDS. To undertake research in the Areas of Human Rights, Law and Ethics as related to HIV/AIDS. To disseminate the International Human Rights Conventions ratified by Uganda or adopted by the International Community which respond to HIV /AIDS. To advocate for the removal of obstacles to the further spread of HIV and to empower the communities through the provision of legal information assistance and training. To actively participate in the development of an appropriate policy framework, programmatic approaches strategies related to HIV/AIDS and to contribute to law reform programmes in Uganda. To carry out public campaigns focusing on law, ethics, and HIV/AIDS. To contribute to the development and establishment of a protective and supportive legal framework for people infected and affected with HIV/AIDS. To promote Networking amongst organizations offering HIV/AIDS related services. To integrate policy, legal, human rights, and ethical issues related to HIV/AIDS in the work of civic and political leaders at National, District and Community levels. To document and disseminate information on policy, legal, human rights, and ethical issues, related to HIV/AIDS. To facilitate the provision of legal redress and enforcement of laws for the protection of the rights of persons affected by and those living with HIV/AIDS. To establish a system for monitoring and evaluating the impact of UGANETs activities. To carry out pubic awareness on Human Rights, Law, Ethics and HIV/ AIDS To do all such other lawful thing or things as may be conducive or incidental to the attainment of the above objectives Back to Top ARTICLE V - POWERS AND FUNCTIONS OF UGANET 1. The powers and functions of UGANET are: To enter into partnership or any arrangements, union of interest, cooperation, join venture, reciprocal concessions or otherwise with any person, persons or organization engaged in or about to be engaged in activities similar to those of UGANET or supportive of the objectives ore UGANET. To publicize the mission, activities and objectives of UGANET as may be necessary through publications. To adopt means of making known the mission, objectives and activities of UGANET as may seem expedient by publication of Newsletters, books and periodicals by means of press, Radio and Television media and by granting prizes, rewards and donations. To enter into any arrangements with governments or authority whether municipal or local or otherwise, that may be conducive to the objectives of UGANET or any of them, and to obtain from any such government or authority any service, rights, privileges or concessions which UGANET may think desirable to obtain and to comply with any such rights, privileges and concessions. To attain by purchasing, grant, banquet or otherwise any property real or otherwise conducive for the performance of the activities of UGANET and in particular vehicles, software, hardware, land, buildings and rights and to own such properties in the UGANET's name. To mobilize resources through grants, loans, or otherwise to secure or discharge responsibilities and undertaking the activities of UGANET in such manner as may be thought fit. To draw, make, accept, endorse, discount, execute and issue promissory notes, bills of exchange, debentures and other negotiable or transferable instruments. To pay out of the funds of UGANET all expenses of and incidental to its formation and registration, and to remunerate any person or organization for the services rendered in the formation of UGANET. To do all such other lawful thing or things as may be conducive or incidental to the attainment of the above objectives. Back to Top ARTICLE V1 - MEMBERSHIP OF UGANET The membership of UGANET shall be both organizations and individuals that subscribe to the objectives of the UGANET and shall be categorized as follows: Full membership, shall be open to individuals, organizations, institutions, clubs, associations and sectors of society involved in, interested and committed to HIV/ AIDS control and prevention, and particularly to the enhancement of Human Rights, legal and ethical issues in all HIV/AIDS programmes nationally and internationally, having subscribed to the Constitution of UGANET as full members and would like to participate in all its activities. Associate membership, shall be open to those individuals institutions and organizations which subscribe to the objectives of UGANET but only wish to participate in some of the activities of UGANET. Affiliate membership, shall be open to those individuals who subscribe to the objectives of UGANET and having subscribed to UGANET's Constitution as affiliate members. Honorary Membership: shall be open to organizations and individuals who have rendered a great service or secured a benefit to UGANET by either rendering advisory services, securing financial assistance in the form of endowment, gifts or donations and any other well placed personalities whose membership would be beneficial to UGANET. With the exception of honorary members, membership to UGANET shall be by application and shall be subject to the approval of the National Executive Committee, on behalf of UGANET on such terms as they shall determine. The National Executive Committee shall have power to change or modify the Membership Form. There shall be a register of members of UGANET, showing in respect of each member, the following: The name, and address of the member; The date of admission to membership; The type of membership held; Membership Number; Programmes the member is engaged in; Annual Subscription shall be due and payable on the 31st December of each year Members who are in arrears of their annual subscription shall be given one reminder, which shall specify the amount due. Full members who are in arrears of their annual subscription payments despite the reminder, shall not be eligible to attend the general assembly and other meetings, except as OBSERVERS only, unless they clear all their outstanding dues prior to the beginning of the meeting. In addition, all rights, including the right to seek for elective offices and the right to vote at meetings, shall be suspended until the respective member clears all arrears due to UGANET ASSOCIATE MEMBERS, who are in arrears of their annual subscription payments shall loose the right to attend the General Assembly and to stand for any elective post. A member shall cease to be a member of the UGANET: If that member continues to fail to comply with the Constitution. If that members gives notice in writing to UGANET requesting that her/ his / its name be removed from the register of members. In the case a member conducts him/ her/ itself in a manner likely to bring UGANET in disrepute or to work for the detriment of UGANET. In case of an organization member, if its de-registered as an organization in the country where it is registered as such or If a member is suspended for 3 consecutive times UGANET shall have a Code of Conduct, which shall be developed by the National Executive Committee in Consultation with UGANET members. The Code of Conduct when developed shall be incorporated as a Schedule to this Constitution and shall be an integral part of this Constitution. Back to Top ARTICLE VI1 - ORGANS OF UGANET 1. UGANET shall have the following organs; General Assembly The National Executive Committee. Thematic Groups shall be developed by the National Committee in consultation with the UGANET membership, and when developed shall be incorporated as a schedule to this Constitution and shall be an integral part of this Constitution. Programme Committees. Such other committees and or sub committees as established by the General Assembly or the National Executive Committee Community Forums District Networks The Secretariat 2. The organs of UGANET shall act within the powers conferred upon them by the provisions of this Constitution. Back to Top ARTICLE VII1 - GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF UGANET The General Assembly shall be the supreme authority of the UGANET, which shall meet once in every 18 months at a time and place as shall be decided by the National Executive Committee. The General Assembly shall be attended by; All full members of UGANET Members of the National Executive Committee Associate members Affiliate members Honorary members Observers PROVIDED THAT Associate, Affiliate and Honorary members and Observers will not have voting rights at the General Assembly. The National Executive Committee shall cause the Notice of the General Assembly to be advertised and circulated to all members not less that 21 days prior to the meeting and shall specify the agenda. The quorum of the General Assembly shall be 10 registered members entitled to vote. No business shall be transacted at any General assembly unless a quorum is present at the time the meeting proceeds to business. If after the expiry of 2 hours from the time appointed for the General Assembly a quorum of members shall not be present, the Assembly, if convened by a requisition of the members shall be dissolved; but in any other case it shall be adjourned to the afternoon of the same day at the same place. If at the adjourned meeting a quorum of members is not present within two (2) hours from the time appointed, the members present shall constitute a quorum. The Chairperson shall preside over the meetings of the General Assembly and in his/her absence the Vice Chairperson shall preside. If for any reason the Chairperson or the Vice Chairperson are unable to chair a properly convened and constituted meeting of the General Assembly the members attending such a meeting shall have the right to appoint a Chairperson to chair the Meeting. All decisions of the General Assembly, except the election of office bearers, shall be decided upon by a show of hands unless otherwise determined by the General Assembly. Questions arising at any meeting of the General Assembly shall be decided by a majority of votes and in the case of equality of votes, the Chairperson shall have a casting vote. The Chairperson may, with the consent of the General Assembly, adjourn the meeting to another time and place but no new business shall be introduced at the General Assembly from which the adjournment took place, unless notice thereof has been given to the members. Minutes of the proceedings of every General Assembly shall be kept and circulated to all members and, if approved by the next succeeding General Assembly, shall be signed by the Chairperson and the Secretary. Any minute so signed shall be conclusive and binding on UGANET. If any irregularity, except for one relating to quorum, occurs in the convening or holding of any General Assembly, or in any election or other proceeding taking place at or prior to such meeting, and its not objected to at the meeting, then the General Assembly, election or proceeding shall have the same force and validity as if no irregularity had occurred; PROVIDED THAT where such an irregularity is objected to, the delegates at the General Assembly shall hear and consider the objection and thereafter decide by a majority vote whether or not to uphold or reject the objection. Back to Top ARTICLE 1X - THE POWERS AND FUNCTION OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY 1. The General Assembly shall have the following powers: To conduct any business, including laying down the policy of UGANET and giving directions regarding its organization and management. To consider how to further the objectives of UGANET. To regulate its proceedings; To review the functions and policies of UGANET To set the overall priorities of UGANET To make amendments to the Constitution, whenever necessary, and in accordance with provisions herein; To receive, appraise and approve all financial and technical reports as well as estimates and work programmes presented to it. To approve audits to be carried out on UGANET and to see to it that the audit reports are presented to the General Assembly. To do any other business in relation to the work of UGANET. Back to Top ARTICLE X - EXTRA ORDINARY GENERAL MEETING An extra - ordinary general meeting shall be convened by the National Executive Committee or by members on request representing not less than one third of the total membership entitled to vote at the General Meeting. The extra - ordinary general meeting shall be attended by those authorized to attend the General Assembly and shall exercise the same powers as the General Assembly, except where such exercise is inconsistent with the provision of this Constitution. Back to Top ARTICLE X1 - OTHER MEETINGS The National Executive Committee shall hold planning and evaluation meetings, which shall be held at least four times a year but may as frequently as necessary. There shall also be meetings of the sub - committees of the National Executive Committee, which shall be held at least once in a month. Back to Top ARTICLE X11 - NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE The National Executive Committee is hereby established and it shall be the second highest organ of UGANET. The National Executive Committee shall also be the Board of Directors of UGANET. The Executive Committee shall be composed of The Chairperson Vice Chairperson Secretary Treasury Committee Members who shall be drawn from different thematic and other groups. The number of persons serving on the National Executive Committee may be increased or decreased from time to time by the General Assembly as they deem fit. The National Executive Committee shall have the following functions: To implement decisions of the General Assembly and to further facilitate the realization of the objectives, policies and programmes of UGANET To ensure accountability for UGANET activities and funds. To facilitate information exchange amongst the members. To mobilize resources for UGANET activities. To receive, appraise, and approve all financial and technical reports as well as estimates and work programmes presented to it. To convene meetings of the General Assembly To promote relationships with other National, Regional and International Networks and Organizations. To represent UGANET at various meetings. To organise conferences to further the goals of UGANET. To carry out any other functions consistent with the goals and objectives of UGANET. To consider reports submitted by the Secretariat on the activities of UGANET and make appropriate recommendations to the General Assembly. To oversee the activities of the Secretariat and supervise the affairs of UGANET. To appoint other senior members of staff of the Secretariat. To define the duties and determine the remuneration of members of staff; To set up task forces and sub - committees as may be necessary to deal with specific issues pertaining to the functions of the National Executive Committee and to co-opt such individuals as shall have the requisite expertise into such task forces or sub committees; To consider and submit for approval to the General Assembly, the annual budget of UGANET. To invest UGANET funds for such purposes as will be agreed on by the General Assembly for the furtherance of UGANET objectives. To recruit volunteers to UGANET as the need may arise Members of the National Executive committee shall be elected by secret ballot every three years by the General Assembly and shall hold office for a term of 3 years and are eligible for re-election PROVIDED that at least two thirds of the members from the previous National Executive Committee shall be retained. The quorum of the National Executive Committee shall be (3) three members. Except as herein provided, the National Executive Committee shall adopt its own rules of procedure, including those for convening meetings, and for quorum and voting. A member of the National Executive Committee shall vacate his or her seat if: He or She absents himself/herself from three (3) consecutive meetings of the Executive Committee without first obtaining the Chairperson's permission. Permission shall not be unreasonably with held. He or she resigns his / her office; He or she becomes of unsound mind, insolvent, or is in any other way incapable of transacting business on behalf of UGANET He or she dies; He or she conducts him/ herself in a manner likely to bring UGANET in disrepute or to work to its detriment. He /She ceases to work for the organization he or she represented during election to the National Executive Committee. 9. In the event of the vacancy being created by the death, resignation or removal from office of a member of the National Executive Committee, the National Executive Committee may appoint another person to fill the vacancy for the duration of the remaining period to the next General Assembly. At the next the General Assembly, elections to fill up the vacant post shall be held. Back to Top ARTICLE XIII - DUTIES AND FUNCTIONS OF THE NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEMBERS The Chairperson The Chairperson shall preside at all assemblies, meetings and conferences at which she/ he is present. He / She shall enforce observation of the rules and regulations of UGANET. Be a signatory to the Bank Account of UGANET. Perform such duties as by usage and custom pertain to the office of the Chairperson. In the case of an equality of the Vote at any meeting the Chairperson shall have a casting vote. The Vice Chairperson In the absence of the Chairperson, the Vice Chairperson shall preside at all meetings, conferences, and Assemblies and shall have the same powers as the Chairperson while doing so. The Treasurer The Treasurer shall supervise receipt and disburse, under the direction of the NEC, all moneys belonging to UGANET. The Treasurer shall ensure that receipts for all moneys paid out are obtained. Shall cause the keeping of proper books of Accounts, preserve the Books and make them available for inspection for those entitled to inspect them. Prepare financial reports and budget of UGANET. Control the Asset of UGANET, keep proper records of Assets, their deployment and use. Shall ensure that membership and subscription fees and all other moneys to which UGANET is entitled are collected. Be a mandatory signatory to all bank Accounts of UGANET. The Secretary Take and keep minutes of the meetings of the General Assembly, all extra- ordinary general meetings of UGANET and the NEC meetings. Be a signatory to the Bank Accounts of UGANET Back to Top ARTICLE XIV - SECRETARIAT UGANET may establish a secretariat for the better and efficient running of its affairs under the general supervision of NEC. The Secretariat when established shall be responsible for the day-to-day affairs of UGANET, and shall perform all such other duties as the National Executive Committee may from time to time direct. The Secretariat staff shall be appointed on such terms as the National Executive Committee may determine. The Coordinator shall head the Secretariat of UGANET. The Head of the Secretariat shall be : An Ex-Officio member of the National Executive Committee The Accounting Officer of UGANET Responsible for mobilizing resources for UGANET Responsible for coordinating all the activities of UGANET towards achieving the objectives of UGANET A Principal signatory to all the Bank Accounts of UGANET. Responsible, under the general direction of the National Executive Committee and the specific direction of the Secretary and the Treasurer respectively, for the maintenance of the Member's Register, collection of membership and annual subscription fees, keeping proper books of account maintaining proper control of assets. Responsible for performing such other duties as shall be determined by the National Executive Committee from time to time. Back to Top ARTICLE XV - DISTRICT AND SUBCOUNTY NETWORKS There shall be established district and sub county networks and on Human Rights, Law, Ethics and HIV/ AIDS in all Districts of Uganda, which shall be affiliates of UGANET. These shall to all intents and purposes be autonomous in as far as they shall have there own constitutions, mobilize their own resources and take responsibility to account for them, have their own management structures, and manage their own affairs. The Secretariat shall establish linkages with District and Sub-county Networks for purposes of communication with UGANET. Back to Top ARTICLE XV1 - FINANCIAL PROVISIONS The financial year of UGANET shall end on the 31st December of the each year. The Treasurer shall open and maintain bank account (s) in the name of UGANET and ensure that all moneys belonging to and received by UGANET are paid into the account (s) PROVIDED THAT the Secretariat shall be permitted to retain such sums as shall be determined by the National Executive Committee from time to time to pay for minor expenses. These moneys shall be accounted for monthly. All cheques drawn on UGANET Accounts shall be signed by any two of the following the Chairperson, Vice Chairperson, Secretary, Treasurer or Coordinator. The annual estimate prepared by the Treasurer shall make provision for all the estimated expenditure of UGANET, for the financial year concerned, and in particular:- For the approved recurrent and development expenditure; For the payment of salaries, allowances and other charges; For the payment of pensions, gratuities and other charges, if any, in respect of any retirement benefits which may be payable out of the funds of UGANET. For the proper development and maintenance of the properties of UGANET if any; For the proper maintenance, repair and replacement for the equipment and other movable property of UGANET. For the creation of such reserve funds to meet future and contingent liabilities in respect of retirement benefits or insurance or in respect of such other matters as UGANET may deem fit. Annual estimates shall be approved by the General Assembly. No expenditure shall be incurred except in accordance with the annual estimates approved by the General Assembly. The Treasurer shall ensure that all books of account are duly audited for presentation of reports at the General Assembly. The General Assembly shall at its Meeting appoint a firm of auditors to audit the accounts of UGANET at the end of each financial year. Any funds of UGANET contributed by members and not required for allocation or application shall on the direction of the National Executive Committee be invested in the name of UGANET by the National Executive Committee or any other funds in which the National Executive Committee may by law invest and as the General Assembly may direct. Funds pending for investment shall be deposited at a bank by the National Executive Committee in the name of UGANET in an interest earning account. All books of account and other official records of UGANET shall be open to inspection at UGANET's offices during ordinary working hours by any member of UGANET and during UGANET General Assembly. However, members must give at least 15 days written notice for the secretary. Back to Top ARTICLE XV11 - BY - LAWS The National Executive Committee shall make Bye - laws regulating the appointment, promotion, remuneration, discipline termination of service and dismissal of the employees of UGANET; the administrative set -up; and on any other matters necessary for the smooth running of the affairs of UGANET, PROVIDED that this article shall not be interpreted to negate or limit any powers vested in the General Assembly by this Constitution. Back to Top ARTICLE XVIII - AMENDMENT/ALTERATION OF THE CONSTITUTION. This Constitution may be amended by a majority of two thirds vote of members of the General Assembly of UGANET who are eligible to vote. Proposals for amendment to this constitution shall be circulated to members at least 15 days in advance, prior to consideration by the General Assembly. Back to Top ARTICLE XIX - DISSOLUTION UGANET, may be dissolved by the General Assembly in a General Assembly by a two - thirds majority vote. Notice of at least 90 days shall be given to all members of the UGANET appearing in the member's register, prior to consideration of the motion to dissolve the organization. The General Assembly shall establish a Committee to ensure the orderly dissolution of UGANET. Such Committee shall include at least two members of the National Executive Committee. Back to Top ARTICLE XX - THE SEAL /STAMP UGANET shall have a seal or stamp. The stamp shall be kept at the Secretariat and shall be used on the authority of the Coordinator. The Chairperson shall provide the safe custody of the Seal which shall be used on the authority of the Chairperson or committee member on that behalf and every instrument to which the Seal shall be affixed, shall be signed by the Chairperson or by a committee member or officer of UGANET appointed by the Chairperson for that purpose. Back to Top ARTICLE XX1 - INTERPRETATION In this Constitution: "UGANET " means the Uganda Network on Human Rights, Law, Ethics and HIV/ AIDS, established under article I of this Constitution. "Member" means a member falling in any one of the categories listed in Article VI of this Constitution. "National Executive Committee" means the National Executive Committee of UGANET established under Article XI of the Constitution. "Secretariat" means the Secretariat of UGANET "Functions" includes powers and duties. THIS CONSTITUTION SHALL BE DEEMED TO HAVE COME INTO FORCE AND OPERATION ON THE …………………… DAY OF …………………… THE YEAR. SCHEDULE 1 OF THE CONSTITUTION MEMBERSHIP FEES Membership fees: Organizations: 50,000/= Individuals: 20,000/= Annual Subscription: Bronze Member: 20,000/= Silver Member: 50,000/= Gold Member : 100,000/= Platinum Member 500,000/= Back to Top
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