Project Overview

The Strengthening Civic Space and Resilience in Uganda project, supported by the CIVICUS Crisis Response Fund under the EU SEE Program Flexible Support Mechanism, 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.

This project seeks to build resilience among human rights defenders (HRDs) and CSOs working in an increasingly restricted environment, ensuring they have the necessary resources, training, and support to continue advocating for the rights of marginalized communities.

Project Duration: February - July 2025
Supported By: CIVICUS Crisis Response Fund, EU SEE Program Flexible Support Mechanism
Location: Uganda (Nationwide focus with an emphasis on Kibaale District and surrounding regions)

Key Objectives

1. Protect and Expand Civic Space
   We aim to safeguard the rights of human rights defenders, journalists, activists, and CSOs who work tirelessly to protect fundamental freedoms in Uganda. This includes advocating for more inclusive policies and legislation that promote civic space and freedom of association.

2. Empower Civil Society Organizations (CSOs)
   By providing training, resources, and technical support, we will enhance the capacity of CSOs to operate effectively within a challenging environment. This empowerment will increase their ability to advocate for and respond to pressing social issues.

3. Advocacy for Policy Reforms
   We are committed to driving policy change at both the local and national levels, pushing for reforms that protect civil liberties and promote transparency, freedom of expression, and inclusivity. We will engage with key stakeholders, including government bodies, to facilitate policy shifts that support an open and participatory society.

4. Human Rights Defender Security and Support
   The project will provide physical security training, legal aid, medical support, and psychosocial assistance to HRDs, especially those working in the fields of land rights, gender-based violence, and marginalized community advocacy.

Key Activities

1. Advocacy Workshops
   We will organize workshops that will bring together HRDs, CSOs, and policymakers to discuss challenges and opportunities for expanding civic space. These sessions will serve as platforms to advocate for reforms and share best practices.

2. Policy Engagement
   Our team will engage in advocacy efforts targeting policy reforms that safeguard civil society freedoms, focusing on strengthening Uganda’s legal and institutional framework to support civic engagement.

3. Digital Advocacy Campaigns
   We will run an online campaign designed to raise awareness of civic space issues, particularly focusing on counteracting negative narratives and misinformation targeting civil society actors. The campaign will leverage social media platforms to increase public awareness and support for civil society efforts.

4. Security Training for HRDs
   To ensure the safety of HRDs, we will provide training on physical security, digital security, and self-care. These sessions will help HRDs protect themselves and their work from potential threats, both online and offline.

5. Psychosocial Support
   The project will offer counseling and mental health services to HRDs who are at risk of trauma or stress due to their work in vulnerable and high-risk areas.

6. International Engagement through the UPR Mechanism
   The project will engage with international human rights mechanisms such as the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) to hold the Ugandan government accountable for its obligations under international human rights law.

7. Media Campaign
   We will develop and distribute informational materials to local and international media, aiming to increase visibility of human rights issues in Uganda. Additionally, we will partner with local media houses to broadcast programs that educate the public on the importance of freedom of association and expression.

Why This Project Matters

Uganda is currently facing significant challenges to its civic space, with increasing restrictions on the work of human rights defenders, media, and civil society organizations. These challenges are compounded by legal and social barriers that limit free expression and access to justice. The Strengthening Civic Space and Resilience in Uganda project is designed to address these challenges head-on by providing critical support to HRDs, empowering CSOs, and advocating for vital policy changes.

By focusing on resilience-building, this initiative will ensure that civil society actors can continue their important work despite the adversities they face. Our long-term vision is to create an environment where everyone in Uganda can freely express themselves, associate with others, and participate in decisions that affect their lives.