USAID/Uganda Civil Society Strengthening Activity (CSSA) Quarterly Report #2: January 1 to March 31, 2021

To achieve its aim, CSSA implements activities under three principle components: Component 1, Component 2, and Component 3. Component 1 focuses on strengthening the advocacy capacity of CSOs to influence national and local development. Under this component, CSSA supports national and regional advocacy umbrella CSOs and CSOs to become leaders in advocating for reforms in CSSA's thematic areas. 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. Under this component, CSSA implements activities such as organizing Consulting for Consultants Academy, awarding Organizational Capacity Strengthening Grants, and providing Organizational Capacity Development Assistance to Component 2 Beneficiaries. Component 3 promotes a more supporting enabling environment that sustains a vibrant civil society. Under this component, the Activity provides grants and technical assistance support to CSOs and Government of Uganda institutions that leads to expanded alliances among multiple stakeholders to promote an enabling environment for civil society in Uganda. CSSA's approach emphasizes local ownership of CSSA's interventions and initiatives, building the capacity of CSOs and investing in their sustainability, as well as utilizing Uganda's local expertise and resources. CSSA is committed to gender equality and social inclusion, while CSSA's Giving Rise to Ugandan Indigenous Direction and Experience (GUIDE) Program will invest in the leadership of women, youth, and CSOs outside Kampala. During the reporting period of January 1 to March 31, 2021, CSSA made progress in implementing its activities. Under Component 1, CSSA supported national and regional advocacy umbrella CSOs and CSOs to become leaders in advocating for reforms in CSSA's thematic areas. CSSA also awarded Advocacy Capacity Support Grants to several grantees, who reported progress in engaging citizens and other stakeholders in advocacy efforts. Under Component 2, CSSA implemented activities such as organizing Consulting for Consultants Academy and awarding Organizational Capacity Strengthening Grants to several beneficiaries. CSSA also provided Organizational Capacity Development Assistance to Component 2 Beneficiaries, who reported progress in improving their organizational capacity. Under Component 3, CSSA provided grants and technical assistance support to CSOs and Government of Uganda institutions that led to expanded alliances among multiple stakeholders to promote an enabling environment for civil society in Uganda. CSSA also supported local partner CSOs to ensure increased levels of funding by the private sector and citizens for CSOs. Overall, CSSA's progress during the reporting period demonstrates its commitment to strengthening the capacity of Ugandan CSOs to influence and contribute to improved development outcomes in Uganda.