CONSTITUTION

OF

COMMUNITY BASED INITIATIVE CENTRE – RWENZORI
(COBIC-R)

P.O.BOX 421

KASESE-UGANDA

Tel: 0782767629
Email:cobic.rwenzori@ymail.com

GOAL
CONTRIBUTE TOWARDS ACOMMUNITY FREE OF POVERTY, HUMAN RIGHTS ABUSES AND DISEASES

INCORPORATED THIS 1ST  DAY OF JUNE 2009

Drawn BY:
All COBIC-R members
P.o.Box 421
Kasese

Under the witness of:
COBIC-R Members
P.o.box 421
Kasese

ARTICLE: 1.0. PREAMBLE
The management of community based initiative centre – Rwenzori having reflected on our humble background, community experiences and expectations in life and amidst the challenges we are facing and those ahead of us, do proclaim to fully commit ourselves to save Rwenzori region community in Uganda that is faced with high poverty levels, Human Rights Abuses, and Diseases (HIV/AIDS).
COBIC – R tends to contribute to appropriate management of Diseases, reduce poverty levels through entrepreneurship and improved incomes, and implementation of legal polices in promoting Human Rights.
With capabilities and various skills to promote sustainable development COBIC-R Promotes self reliance, participatory development, Human Rights awareness, poverty eradication till the goal is achieved hereby decide to form a service giving organization as indicated in this constitution.

SOLEMNLY adopt, enact and give to our prosperity and ourselves this Community Based initiative Centre –Rwenzori (COBIC-R) Constitution this 1st Day of June 2009.
                                         
ARTICLE 2:0 NAME, LOCATION AND OPERATION AREA
The organization shall be called Community Based initiative Centre –Rwenzori (COBIC-R)
2.1.	The area of operation for the organization shall be in the communities of Rwenzori region in Uganda.
2.2.	Head Office Location shall be in kisanga B cell Nyamwamba division in kasese municipality kasese District in Uganda.

ARTICLE: 3.0 VISION
A community with reduced poverty levels, human rights abuses and prevalence of diseases (HIV/AIDS) 

ARTICLE 4.0 MISSION
To ensure poverty, human rights abuses, diseases free community through sharing information on poverty redication, human right abuses and prevention of diseases (HIV/AIDS).

ARTICLE 5.0: BROAD OBJECTIVES OF COBIC-R
5.1. TO ensure sustainable communities, households, live hoods and economic empowerment through skills training for self or paid employment and provide better opportunities for the next generation.
5.2. To ensure access to basic social needs through mainstreaming gender equity and disability into support program initiatives to reduce vulnerability in communities and household levels.
5.3. To ensure legal and appropriate social and community safety nets to benefit households, OVCs, and other disadvantaged groups through research, identify gaps and develop appropriate policies and laws to protect human rights.
5.4. TO coordinate with government and organization partners in strengthening effective implementation of disease (HIV/AIDS) programs in the Rwenzori region.
5.5. To contribute to reduction and spread of diseases (HIV/AIDS) infections among communities in the Rwenzori region and Uganda as a whole.
ARTICLES 6.0 MEMBERSHIP
6.1	.This organization has its membership open to those interested capable and specifically skilled persons in any area of health, poverty Eradication programs, human rights and development.
6.2	.There shall be three categories of membership namely: -
i)	Full membership, which will be for both men and women with specialty areas as described in. Those members will voluntarily enter the organization and each member will be bound to pay membership fee of Shs. 100,000=
ii)	Associate membership, which will be for organized Community Based Organizations (CBOs), focused on diseases (HIV/AIDS) human rights and poverty programs in Kasese District in Rwenzori Region.  The Executive Board of the organization will accept a CBO as a member upon completion of an application that will be formulated by the officers of the organization and upon official successful acceptance after meeting the set criteria for associate membership.
iii)	Honorary membership, which is offered to any individual or institution that has contributed to the entire development of the organization upon consideration by the entire Executive Board.
6.3	. Rights of Members.
i)	A member on admission to the organization shall sign a form of acceptance to be bound by the constitution and a receipt shall be issued to any member upon payment of registration.
ii)	Full member shall have a right to be informed of the activities and progress of the organization.
iii)	Any member shall have a right to participate in any fundraising and economic activity for the purpose of developing the organization.
6.4	. Cessation of membership.
Any member shall cease to be a member if he /she: -
i)	Fails to meet his or her obligations or conduct his /herself in a manner inconsistent with the good name of the organization in which event the organization General Assembly shall expel him/her from the organization provided he/she shall first be given a written warning for not less than 2 months period.
ii)	On Voluntary resignation by 30 days written notice and assented to by the members of the organization.
6.5	. Duties and responsibilities of members.
i)	A member has a duty to serve for the organization, to work and participate in activities of the organization that do not offend him or her either, culturally, spiritually or socially.
ii)	A member shall have a responsibility of protecting and defending the organization to the Executive Board.
iii)	A member shall have a duty not to tarnish nor destroy the good name/fame of the organization.
ARTICLE 7.0: ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE.
The organization shall have the following principal organs: -
7.1.	Annual General Assembly (AGM)
This will be the principal organ of the organization and will comprise of all members of the organization including full members, Associate members and honorary members.  It shall sit possible recommendations for future work.
The Chairperson of the Executive Board will chair all organization meetings.
7.2. Executive Board
The Executive Board shall be a decision making body of the organization and shall be elected in office by full members at a general meeting.
The Executive Board shall comprise of seven (10) members including: -
•	Chairperson
•	Vice Chairperson
•	Secretary
•	Treasurer
•	Six Committee Members.
The Board shall be a policy-making organ, appropriately amend the constitution and institute the secretariat that will be responsible for the day-to-day activities of the organization.
The Board shall make work plans and ensure preparation of budgets and accounts of the organization.
The Executive Board of Directors shall sit quarterly a year.  But can convene an extra ordinary meeting where need arises.
7.3	.The Secretariat.
The organization shall establish a secretariat that will be charged with the efficient running of the day today activities. The secretariat shall be under the supervision of the Executive Board.
A Coordinator who shall be the prime person in managing the day today affairs and staff of the organization shall head the secretariat and all staff employed shall be paid for the services rendered.
Employment of any staff at the secretariat shall be determined from time to time depending on the financial capacity of the organization at any specified period of time.
The secretariat other staff as program officers who will manage different program areas of the organization at any specified period; project volunteers who will be under direct supervision of the different program officers within which they are attached.
An Accountant will entirely oversee proper management and use of finances for the organization at the secretariat level.
The organization will as well have support staff that will entirely include secretary, Driver, security officer, IT officer, Office Attendant and or a cleaner. These staff will do supportive roles for the organization and will be employed when necessary.
7.4	. Elections
Election of  all  or any committee members of the executive  board  shall be accordance with the bylaws  of the organization  approved by the general meeting, but the executive shall  hold office for a period  not exceeding  three years provided that no person shall be elected  unless  such person,
Is an adult of sound mind
Is not undercharged of any criminal offence
Is Ugandan
Incumbent executive board may all or individually is eligible for re-election. The executive may from time to time appoint sub- committees or co- opt expert advisers as they may deem necessary or expedient  and may deputies of the executive board as they may deem fit. Sub- committees shall periodically report proceeding to the executive board.

	7.5.	COBIC-R MANAGEMENT STRUCTURE

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING-AGM

EXECUTIVE BOARD

FINANCE ADMINISTRATIVE COMMITEE

PLANNING DEVELOPENT COMMITEE

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

SECRETARIAT HEADED BY COORDINATOR

FINANCE OFFICER

PROGRAMS COORDINATOR

FILED   OFFICER

PROJECT OFFICER

ADMIN
ASSIST

ACCOUNTS
ASSISTANT

M&E  OFFICER

FILED VOLUNTEERS

PROJECT ASSISTANT

M&E ASSISTANT

SECURITY
OFFICER

CLERICAL
OFFICER

8.0. COMPOSITION AND FUNCTIONS OF THE EXECUTIVE BOARD
8.1. CHAIRPERSON
FUNCTIONS
a.	Chair Executive Board meetings
b.	Be a complimentary signatory to bank accounts of the organization
c.	Ensure that the various organs of the organization are functioning smoothly
d.	He /she together with the head of secretariat must be the only authorizing officers of all organization documents, payments and property.
e.	Ensure implementation of Executive Board decisions.
8.2. VICE CHAIRPERSON
FUNCTIONS
a.	Act in absence of the chairperson and shall in such circumstances have full powers of the chairperson and discharge all his/her duties except signing on organizational bank accounts.
b.	Perform such functions as the chairperson assign to him/her involving the administration of any committees.
c.	In absence of both the chairperson and vice chairperson any other person shall be nominated to preside as an interim chairperson.
8.3. TREASURER
FUNCTIONS
Shall look after the financial interests of the organization and thus he/she
a.	Receives all financial reports and budgets from the secretariat for approval.
b.	Initiate or be party to the raising of the organization funds
c.	Keep comprehensive financial statements of the organizations revenue and expenditures or other financial commitment and shall present them to the Executive Board either twice a year or whenever asked for.
d.	Advise Executive Board on matters of the organization income and expenditure. 
e.	Be a signatory to the organization accounts.
8.4. GENERAL SECRETARY
FUNCTIONS
a.	Shall compile all minutes of the Executive Board.
b.	Shall maintain good working relations internally and externally.
8.5. COORDINATOR
FUNCTIONS
a.	Shall head the secretariat
b.	Shall have powers to plan programs of the organization.
c.	Shall compile and submit all resource mobilization documents to possible funders/Donors in consultation with the Board of Directors.
d.	Shall be charged with overseeing the day to day running of the organization
e.	Shall be principal signatory to the organization account.
f.	Perform such functions as the chairperson may assign him or her 
g.	Shall be chief accounting officer for the organization
h.	Shall prepare and submit reports to the Executive Board.
i.	Shall keep the register of all staff members
j.	Shall time to time represent the secretariat in annual general meeting.
k.	He shall be ex-official to the Executive Board.
ARTICLE 9.0 FINANCES
The finances of the organization shall consist
a.	Any financial/Material contributions from members/well wishers
b.	Donations and Grants
c.	Money realized from fundraising activities
d.	Any lawful sources agreed upon by the Executive Board.
e.	Disposal of organization assets.
Financial year
The financial year for the organization shall run from 1st Jan to 30th December of every year.
Banking 
a.	The organization shall have and operate bank accounts in lawfully licensed institutions and Banks as determined by the General assembly of members.
b.	The Chairperson, Executive Director and the Treasurer shall be signatories to the organization account (s) with the Executive Director as the principal signatory.
c.	Any two including the principal signatory shall effect a withdraw.
d.	All organizations monies must be banked on the organization account (S).
e.	Any withdraw from the bank shall be done by a fully authorized written voucher, accompanied by a lawfully sanctioned requisition.
Books and records
The organization shall keep books and records in a proper manner and shall periodically update its books and records.
ARTICLE 10. AMENDMENT
The constitution of the organization may be amended by majority vote of 2/3 of the total members at the organization Annual General Assembly of members.
A written notice shall have been given to members at least 14 days before the meeting.
All proposed amendments shall be submitted in writing and presented to the secretary at least three months before the Annual General meeting at which they are to be discussed and circulated to members with the agenda at least a month before the meeting.
ARTICLE 11: AFFILIATION
The organization may affiliate to other National, Regional and International organizations that may be having similar interests as those of community based initiative centre - Rwenzori
ARTICLE 12. COMMON SEAL
The organization shall have an official seal and shall be in such form as shall be determined by the Executive Board and shall be kept under custody of the Chairperson of the organization and Executive Director.
The common seal shall be affixed to important documents of the organization and shall be impressed and attested by the Chairperson and Executive Director.
ARTICLE 13: DISSOLUTION OF THE ORGANIZATIION
The organization shall not be dissolved except by resolution at the Annual General Meeting of the organization passed by at least 60% of the total membership of the full members convened in accordance with the provisions of this constitution.
If upon winding up or dissolution of the organization there remains after satisfaction of all its debts and liabilities whatsoever, shall be passed on to another organization with similar objectives of community based initiative centre- Rwenzori.
A LIST OF EXECUTIVE BOARD MEMBERS WHO HAVE CONFIRMED AND SIGNED THIS CONSTITUTION.

NO	NAME                              	POSITIONS	SIGNATURES	
1	Musema  Augustine	Chair person-board		
2	Kinyonyi  Evelyn	Vice chair person		
3	Kiiza  Ruth	Treasure		
4	Muhindo  zephanus	Technical advisor on finances & procurements       		
5	Baghenda  Dorate	Member		
6	Muhindo  Joshua 	General  secretary 		
7	Bolingo  Makanika	Member 		
8	Itungu  Rachael 	Member		
9	Kambasu  James	Member		
10	Baluku  Robert	Member