USAID/Uganda Civil Society Strengthening Activity Annual Report

To achieve its aim, CSSA implements activities under three components: Component 1, Component 2, and Component 3. Component 1 focuses on strengthening the advocacy capacity of CSOs to influence national and local development. This is achieved by implementing activities such as awarding Advocacy Capacity Support Grants and providing Advocacy Capacity Development to umbrella CSOs and CSOs. Component 2 aims to improve the organizational capacity of advocacy and service delivery-oriented CSOs to sustainably fulfill their stated missions. This is done through flexible and tailored capacity development assistance and grants, which assist advocacy CSOs, national and regional umbrella CSOs, and national, regional, and district CSOs that engage in advocacy or deliver services in CSSA's thematic areas. Component 3 promotes a more supporting enabling environment that sustains a vibrant civil society. The Activity provides grants and technical assistance support to CSOs and Government of Uganda (GoU) institutions that leads to expanded alliances among multiple stakeholders to promote an enabling environment for civil society in Uganda. CSSA also supports local partner CSOs to ensure increased levels of funding by the private sector and citizens for CSOs. The CSSA's approach emphasizes collaboration and partnership with local CSOs, government institutions, and other stakeholders to achieve its goals. The Activity works with a range of partners, including national and regional umbrella CSOs, national, regional, and district CSOs, and other CSOs supported by other USAID/Uganda implementing partners. The geographic coverage of the CSSA includes 12 districts in Uganda: Gulu, Kaabong, Kotido, Lamwo, Lira, Masindi, Mbarara, Moroto, Omoro, Nwoya, and Rubirizi. The Activity has a reporting period of September 1, 2020 to September 31, 2021. The CSSA has a number of implementing partners, including East-West Management Institute, Inc., National Coalition of Human Rights Defenders, Uganda, Legal Aid Service Providers Network, Uganda, Chapter Four Uganda, and Collaboration on International ICT Policy in East and Southern Africa. The Activity also has a number of subcontractors and sub-awardees, including Diocesan Development Services-North Karamoja, Uganda, Uganda National AIDS Support Organization, and Uganda Women's Network. The CSSA's goal is to support the capacity strengthening of Ugandan CSOs to influence and contribute to improved development outcomes in four thematic areas. The Activity implements activities under three components: Component 1, Component 2, and Component 3. The CSSA's approach emphasizes collaboration and partnership with local CSOs, government institutions, and other stakeholders to achieve its goals. The CSSA has a number of key activities, including awarding Advocacy Capacity Support Grants, providing Advocacy Capacity Development to umbrella CSOs and CSOs, organizing Consulting for Consultants Academy, awarding Organizational Capacity Strengthening Grants, providing Organizational Capacity Development Assistance to Component 2 Beneficiaries, organizing CSO Leadership Programs, and preparing Local CSOs to Receive Direct USAID funding. The CSSA's impact is measured through a range of indicators, including the number of CSOs that have strengthened their advocacy capacity, the number of CSOs that have improved their organizational capacity, and the number of CSOs that have increased their funding from the private sector and citizens. The Activity also conducts regular monitoring and evaluation to ensure that it is meeting its goals and objectives. The CSSA has a number of challenges, including limited resources and capacity constraints. However, the Activity is working to address these challenges through a range of strategies, including building partnerships with local CSOs and government institutions, providing technical assistance and capacity development support to CSOs, and advocating for policy and legislative changes that support the development of a vibrant civil society in Uganda. Overall, the CSSA is a critical Activity that supports the capacity strengthening of Ugandan CSOs to influence and contribute to improved development outcomes in four thematic areas. The Activity implements activities under three components and has a number of key partners and stakeholders. The CSSA's impact is measured through a range of indicators, and the Activity is working to address challenges through a range of strategies.