In 2004 a group of forty individuals who were faced challenges receiving health services and jobs. Due to these concerns a meeting was held and Spectrum Uganda Initiatives was founded. Over the years our major focus has been providing services, documentation and advocacy on HIV/AIDS among High-risk clients in Uganda. In addition to direct client service the organization advocates and lobbies for inclusion of High-risk clients in the National health programs, fights discrimination in the public sector focus on Human Rights awareness and economic empowerment.
VISION
A SOCIETY IN WHERE ALL PEOPLE ARE TREATED WITH DIGNITY
MISSION
TO PROVIDE HEALTH SERVICES TO THE HIGH-RISK CLIENTS IN UGANDA AND ADVOCATE FOR THE RECOGNITION, PROTECTION AND ACTUALIZATION OF THEIR RIGHTS
One of the oldest organizations’ serving the high-risk clients for over a decade now, Spectrum Uganda has changed the face of health among the high-risk clients in the Capital city Kampala and neighboring districts. All our work has been voluntary, and we still continue to uphold the same spirit of why we started this Organization many years ago. We are enrolling out to more district’s upcountry through partnership.
About 2002 we had a concern why high-risk clients were dying in the community, why there was high STD/STI's infections among them , how much knowledge did the know about risks and why the weren't accessing health care services even when the health centers were available. There was need to close the gap between high-risk clients and the health service providers hence need to create awareness ,sensitize and orient both the community the health service providers. We proud to say that we have been able to see a change in the face of HIV/AIDS and positive living among the high-risk clients in Uganda
Spectrum Uganda set an example and mentored many high-risk clients who are leaders today. Some of its members moved on and set up New Organizations to address areas that we never focused on making keeping us in the lead as a strong player in the struggle. Our leadership has been very out spoken and part of the grassroot strengthening of the high risk clients . As part of our work we have seen individuals accepting and making use of the services available, Provision of Health care to high-risk clients has improved a lot ,acceptance and coming out, Creation of Safe Spaces and talking about safe sex and Hygiene, Increase in demand for Health Consumables condoms etc consolidating what we have achieved and today we want to ensure social activities are available for the high-risk clients in fighting discrimination, access mental health services etc.
Spectrum has been supportive and a part of the many struggles of the high-risk clients in Uganda more especially with mobilizing grass root communities, court sessions, Litigation. Through some of our programs community members gained self esteem and a sense of hope.Through our work trust has been created with the community and we have seen increase in reporting of cases both Medical and threats etc.
Spectrum Uganda has coordinated, Mobilized and partnered in research, working closely with allies. We have worked with a couple of partners in various fields right from 2006 when the first Research on Behavioral Change among Men who have sex with Men was conducted in Kampala.
We participated in a couple of research, media , Documentaries and Interviews with both Local and International Media Houses.
In its work Spectrum Uganda has partnered with various Local, Regional and International Organisations and Health Service Providers to promote health care access for all.