Project Overview
The "Strengthening Civic Space and Resilience in Uganda" project is a five-month initiative implemented by Rural Smiles Foundation with support from the CIVICUS Crisis Response Fund under the EU SEE Program Flexible Support Mechanism. This project aims to protect and expand civic space, empower civil society organizations (CSOs), and advocate for policy reforms that promote freedom of association and expression in Uganda.
Uganda has seen an increasing crackdown on civic freedoms, affecting CSOs, human rights defenders (HRDs), and independent activists. This project is a response to these growing restrictions, seeking to amplify civic voices, build resilience, and mobilize local and international advocacy efforts to protect fundamental human rights.
Objectives of the Project
- Strengthen civic space by mobilizing CSOs, policymakers, and stakeholders to advocate for legal reforms that support freedom of association and expression.
- Enhance the resilience of human rights defenders and civil society actors through security training, psychosocial support, and strategic planning.
- Counter misinformation and smear campaigns targeting CSOs and HRDs by launching a digital advocacy and media campaign.
- Engage international bodies, including the United Nations Human Rights Council and Special Rapporteurs, to draw global attention to the shrinking civic space in Uganda.
- Foster partnerships among CSOs and grassroots organizations to strengthen collaboration and collective action for civic rights.
Key Activities
1. Advocacy and Policy Engagement
- Conduct workshops and advocacy meetings with community leaders, policymakers, and CSOs to discuss restrictive laws affecting civic space.
- Develop and submit policy briefs and position papers advocating for amendments to restrictive legislation.
- Engage with government stakeholders to push for legal reforms that protect civic freedoms.
2. Counter-Narrative and Public Awareness Campaigns
- Launch the #ProtectCivicSpaceUganda social media campaign to raise awareness about civic space restrictions.
- Develop and distribute educational materials such as brochures, infographics, and reports to inform the public about civic rights.
- Collaborate with local media houses to host radio and TV programs discussing the importance of civil society and human rights.
3. Multilateral and International Engagement
- Compile and submit a shadow report to the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) mechanism on violations against CSOs and HRDs in Uganda.
- Participate in global forums, webinars, and UN engagements to advocate for international support in protecting Uganda’s civic space.
- Build strategic partnerships with international human rights organizations to increase global pressure for reform.
4. Digital Security and Psychosocial Support
- Conduct security training for civil society actors on digital protection and emergency response strategies.
- Offer psychosocial support services to HRDs and CSO members facing trauma and stress due to repression.
- Upgrade organizational security measures, including digital security protocols and physical safety strategies.
5. Sustainability and Capacity Building
- Organize networking meetups for CSOs to foster collaboration and shared advocacy efforts.
- Develop a strategic plan to mitigate the impact of potential legislative restrictions on foreign funding.
- Strengthen organizational resilience by identifying alternative funding sources and increasing local resource mobilization.
Project Timeline
The project runs from 12th February to 12th July 2025, with the following key phases:
- February – March 2025: Advocacy workshops, stakeholder meetings, and the launch of the social media campaign.
- April – May 2025: Policy development, international engagement, and expansion of the digital platform.
- June – July 2025: Submission of the UPR shadow report, final evaluation, and development of a sustainability strategy.
Expected Outcomes
By the end of this project, we aim to achieve:
✅ Increased awareness of civic space restrictions and the importance of civil society organizations.
✅ Stronger legal and policy advocacy efforts through engagement with policymakers and international bodies.
✅ Improved safety and well-being of HRDs and CSO members through security training and psychosocial support.
✅ Enhanced collaboration among CSOs to foster long-term collective advocacy efforts.
✅ A sustainable strategy for continued advocacy, ensuring that civic rights remain a priority beyond the project’s duration.
Get Involved
We believe that everyone has a role to play in protecting civic space. You can support this project by:
📢 Spreading awareness – Follow and share updates using #ProtectCivicSpaceUganda on social media.
🤝 Partnering with us – If you are a CSO or human rights organization, collaborate with us in advocacy efforts.
📧 Contacting us – Get in touch for more information or to participate in upcoming workshops and events.
Contact Us
📍 Location: Rural Smiles Foundation, Kibaale District, Uganda
🌍 Website: www.ruralsmiles.org
📧 Email: smiles@ruralsmiles.org
📞 Phone: +256200901387