Our Networks and Memberships

Uniting for Collective Impact

Rural Smiles Foundation is built on the principle that lasting change is not achieved in isolation, but through purposeful partnerships and strategic alliances. Our active participation in national, regional, and international networks allows us to:

• Advocate more effectively for rural and marginalized communities

• Build institutional resilience through shared learning and technical support

• Mobilize resources and engage in joint programming

• Amplify the voices of vulnerable groups on global platforms

These networks are not just affiliations; they are powerful communities of change-makers with whom we share a vision of equity, justice, and dignity for all.

🌍 Global and Regional Networks

1. Associated Country Women of the World (ACWW)

📅 Membership Confirmed: 8 April 2025
🔢 Membership Number: 96513
🌐 www.acww.org.uk

ACWW is one of the world's largest international women’s organizations, uniting over 400 member societies in more than 80 countries. Through this affiliation, we connect with a global community dedicated to empowering rural women and girls. Our membership with ACWW enables us to:

• Participate in international policy advocacy on women’s rights, food security, education, and rural livelihoods

• Access capacity-building opportunities, including training resources, publications, and international exchange platforms

• Collaborate on campaigns aimed at achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially those related to gender equality (SDG 5), no poverty (SDG 1), and good health (SDG 3)

Being part of ACWW strengthens our ability to bring global attention to the challenges faced by rural Ugandan women while aligning our interventions with best practices from around the world.

2. Youth Democracy Cohort (YDC)

📅 Membership Granted: May 2025
🌐 www.youthdemocracycohort.com

The Youth Democracy Cohort is an initiative under the Summit for Democracy, engaging youth-led and youth-serving organizations committed to protecting and promoting democratic space globally. As a member, Rural Smiles Foundation:

• Contributes to policy dialogues and high-level forums on youth participation, human rights, and democratic governance

• Engages in intercontinental collaboration with youth organizations advocating for civic freedom and accountability

• Accesses tools and mentorship to improve internal governance, advocacy strategy, and civic education programming

This membership supports our advocacy for civic rights, especially among young people in Uganda’s rural districts where democratic engagement is often limited or suppressed.

3. CIVICUS – World Alliance for Citizen Participation (Engagement Partner)

🌐 www.civicus.org

While not yet a formal member, Rural Smiles Foundation is an active engagement partner of CIVICUS through the Crisis Response Fund, under which we implemented the “Strengthening Civic Space and Resilience in Uganda” project. This partnership has allowed us to:

• Provide urgent support and protection to Human Rights Defenders (HRDs) facing threats due to land rights and gender justice advocacy

• Participate in regional monitoring of civic space

• Launch campaigns such as #ProtectCivicSpaceUganda, challenging smear tactics and shrinking freedoms affecting CSOs

We continue to work with CIVICUS as a trusted ally in the global movement to safeguard civic space and freedom of association.

🏛 National and Local Networks

4. Kitara Civil Society Organisations Network (KCSON)

📅 Joined: July 2024
🌐 www.kcsonug.org 

KCSON is a regional umbrella organization coordinating over 100 civil society organizations in the Bunyoro sub-region. Through KCSON, we are able to:

• Participate in coordinated planning and development processes with local governments

• Access peer-to-peer mentoring and regional learning exchanges

• Jointly advocate for district-level reforms in areas like public health, land rights, and digital inclusion

• Collaborate in consortiums to implement multi-partner projects and resource mobilization

As an active member, Rural Smiles Foundation is represented in regional policy dialogues and plays a critical role in influencing civic and service delivery agendas within Kibaale District and the wider region.

5. Kibaale District Local Government (KDLG)

📃 Memorandum of Understanding Signed: 22 October 2024
📍 Kibaale District Headquarters

We hold a formal Memorandum of Understanding with KDLG, which affirms our shared commitment to grassroots development and government–CSO synergy. Through this agreement, we:

• Align all our project activities with the District Development Plan (DDP III) and relevant sector priorities

• Participate in joint monitoring, community dialogues, and multi-stakeholder forums

• Ensure transparency, mutual accountability, and long-term sustainability in our interventions

Our partnership with KDLG has enabled smooth project rollout, joint mobilization during outreach programs, and district endorsement of critical campaigns such as Justice for Widows’ Rights and Integrated Community Health and Rights Program (ICHARP).

✨ Why Our Networks Matter

• Broader Impact: Partnerships allow us to scale our impact, influence policy, and drive innovation by building on the expertise of others.

• Credibility and Accountability: Membership in trusted platforms affirms our commitment to good governance and community-led development.

• Resources and Learning: Our network affiliations provide access to up-to-date research, toolkits, capacity-building, and funding opportunities.

• Global Solidarity: We add our voice to global movements fighting for health justice, gender equality, digital rights, and climate action.

📬 Partner With Us

We are always open to expanding our partnerships with like-minded organizations, coalitions, and development actors at all levels.
If you represent a network or are interested in collaboration, please contact us:

📧 Email: smiles@ruralsmiles.org 
🌐 Website: www.ruralsmiles.org
📍 Address: Karuguuza Towers, Level 1, Block 244, Plot 315, Ruharo Road, Kibaale Town Council, Uganda