In January 2001, a representative of the business sector requested support from the AIDS Commission in defining a sector-specific HIV/AIDS response. Appreciating that this initiative had come from the private sector itself, the Commission saw a unique opportunity to reach out to employees, a group not easily reached without the cooperation of the private sector. During initial discussions among interested managing directors of international companies in Uganda and representatives of the Uganda AIDS Commission, the British High Commission and UNAIDS, it was decided to establish a collaborative network of companies rather than a formal NGO. The network developed a mission statement, an institutional framework and a workplace policy that highlighted the need to ensure a non-discriminatory environment for people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHAs). The Uganda Business Council on AIDS (UBCOA) was launched at the Candlelight Memorial on 25 May 2001.

Managing directors of private companies have greeted the Business Council with great enthusiasm and since its inception, the Council's membership has increased significantly, with representation from companies such as Standard Chartered Bank, Stanbic Bank, Sheraton Hotel, British American Tobacco Company, Shell and Total Ltd.

The Council has undertaken several initiatives, including: donating a container to Mbarare Hospital to expand its AIDS clinic; establishing HIV awareness programmes among employees of selected companies; and negotiating on the inclusion of antiretroviral drugs in the health-care package. UBCOA intends to share its experiences - including the workplace policy - with interested companies, especially smaller ones. The Council also intends to expand private-public sector partnerships, such as improving AIDS-related health-care delivery through insurance schemes and company clinics. Finally, UBCOA aims to assist HIV/AIDS-related projects, mainly through in-kind support. To keep the momentum going, the Council intends to recruit a coordinator to strengthen its secretariat, which will eventually become a resource centre where smaller companies can borrow education kits free of charge and get advice on business and AIDS- related matters.

The business sector has been questioned about the genuineness of its motives. But apart from the fact that production costs increase due to death of employees, sick leave or absence to attend funerals, companies in Uganda have proven to be genuinely willing to assume their social responsibility in the fight against HIV/AIDS. The comparative advantage of the business sector includes access to a significant network of suppliers, distributors, clients and consumers, and this is helpful for reaching out as far as possible. Multi-national representation is another advantage that will allow the Council to play an active role in advocacy and lobbying, for example in working to expand access to AIDS treatment.