HIV and AIDS mainstreaming in Ugandas higher education sector strategic direction: A case of Uganda Management Institute

HIV and AIDS mainstreaming in the development arena has been a point of emphasis globally over the years. The higher education sector has also put emphasis on the campaign to have HIV and AIDS issues mainstreamed for in all strategies and operations. The purpose of this study is to investigate how HIV and AIDS mainstreaming has been considered in Uganda Management Institute (UMI) strategic direction. The study deployed a triangulation of cross-sectional and case study research designs where interview, Focus Group Discussions and Document review methods were deployed. The study deployed a two-level narrative analysis in order to identify patterns and plots with in participants’ stories and experiences. The study made reference to the model for mainstreaming HIV/AIDS in the education sector. The study found out that HIV and AIDS was scantily mainstreamed in UMI strategic plans and during monitoring. The mainstreaming for HIV and AIDS in the higher education sector was remodeled to capture the core mandate at UMI and to include the structures and systems relevant for the Institute. It was concluded that it is not enough to merely draw strategic plans, policies and other frameworks on HIV and AIDS initiatives, but more aspects like structures and resource allocation, among others have to be considered. The study recommends that a thorough analysis for HIV and AIDS issues, as well as mitigation measures should be properly addressed during strategic and annual planning processes to allow easy planning and budgeting, implementation and follow up of the issues.   Key words: HIV and AIDS, mainstreaming, higher education sector, strategic planning, strategy implementation, monitoring, evaluation.