Abstract The article argues that people and communities perceive and deal with HIV/AIDS as only one of the many problems and tensions they experience as affecting their well-being rather than perceiving and dealing with it as the single most significant problem. Thus, the intervention for the control of HIV/AIDS through the creative rather than the responsive orientation in the development process is being proposed. It is also noted that the discussion of the issues related to HIV/AIDS and sexuality is blocked by deeply held views that men have about women and sex. This is the reason why the issue of gender is central when discussing with the people to determine the health they truly want including how to manage the HIV/AIDS problem. Using participatory research methodologies that empower and give voice to participants of different perspectives, the study team formed partnership with four villages in Kibaale District, Uganda. The team brought together rural youth of 13-25 years and men and women of 26-45 years to discuss issues regarding gender and HIV/AIDS. The discussions helped the participants to reflect and exchange information, knowledge and skills on the issues related to gender and HIV/AIDS. This empowering knowledge was useful for launching advocacy for attitude and behaviour change towards risky sexual behaviours and for supporting communities in developing visions of healthy communities the people truly cherish. The study process generated information, which was used to develop the content for a facilitator's guide on Gender and HIV/AIDS. It is, therefore, recommended that the activities the participants were involved in should be scaled-up for use in many communities in Uganda, which are still grappling with the HIV/AIDS problem. In: Mtafiti Mwafrika (African Research), African Research and Documentation Centre, Uganda Martyrs University (Monograph Series Number 19, 2007), 82 p. (ISSN 1607-0011)!
Dr. Remigius Munyonyo is a Senior Academic and Vice Chancellor, African Rural University (ARU)
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