Crossroads has established a network of 27 diverse local organizations across Uganda. These partner organizations deliver critical interventions, addressing a wide range of social issues faced by various communities.
Action for Development (ACFODE)
Action for Development (ACFODE) is a prominent Ugandan women’s rights organization founded in 1985. Dedicated to gender equality, ACFODE empowers women and girls through various strategies. Their focus areas include economic empowerment, leadership development, and combating violence against women. ACFODE works at both the national level and within Ugandan regions, including refugee settlements. Through capacity building, policy advocacy, and community mobilization, they strive to create a “just society where gender equality is a reality.”
ACT 4 Africa Uganda
Act4Africa Uganda, an award-winning NGO headquartered in Mayuge, empowers women and girls in surrounding Eastern Ugandan communities. They tackle gender inequality through health education, agricultural training, and livelihood programs, aiming to break the cycle of poverty. Act4Africa Uganda specifically focuses on empowering young girls and adolescent mothers, promoting girls’ education, to create a future where rural women and girls can thrive.
Aids Education Group for Youth
Aids Education Group for Youth (AEGY) is a dynamic organization dedicated to empowering communities for health and sustainable livelihoods through innovative and evidence-based approaches. Based in Kamuli, AEGY has been at the forefront of HIV/AIDS education and prevention efforts, addressing the social and economic impacts of the epidemic on youth, children, and women/girls in the Busoga region of Uganda since 2002. With a vision of a healthy, self-sustaining, developed, and empowered community, AEGY strives to make a meaningful impact through its diverse programs focused on socioeconomic security, food and nutrition security, conflict mitigation, education, health, and gender-based violence prevention.
Action for Rural Women’s Empowerment (ARUWE)
Action for Rural Women’s Empowerment (ARUWE) champions social change for women and girls in Uganda’s Central and West Nile regions. Founded in 2003, this women-led organization tackles issues like poverty, health, education, and climate change. ARUWE empowers women through economic opportunities, advocating for sexual and reproductive rights, and promoting education. They also address challenges like gender-based violence and negative stereotypes. Working across four districts, ARUWE strives to create a future where women and girls can reach their full potential.
Advocates for Sustainable Health and Wealth in Africa [ASHWA]
Advocates for Sustainable Health and Wealth in Africa (ASHWA) champions health and well-being for young people in Eastern Uganda’s underserved communities. Founded in 2016, this community-based organization empowers youth through social programs and policy advocacy. They tackle critical issues like sexual and reproductive health, water sanitation, and menstrual hygiene. ASHWA works tirelessly to uplift vulnerable adolescents and young mothers, striving for a future where young people can thrive.
Community Development Shield Uganda (CDS Uganda)
Community Development Shield Uganda (CDS Uganda) empowers youth and vulnerable populations in Kole District, Northern Uganda. Founded in 2013 by young leaders, CDS Uganda focuses on education, healthcare, and economic opportunities. They provide life skills training, promote sexual and reproductive health awareness, and advocate for clean water and sanitation. CDS Uganda works to transform their community by building a brighter future for youth, women, and children.
The Uganda Association of Women Lawyers (FIDA-Uganda)
The Uganda Association of Women Lawyers (FIDA-Uganda) is a champion for women’s rights in Uganda, established in 1974. They provide legal aid, training, and awareness programs to empower women and fight for gender equality. FIDA-Uganda has a national presence with a focus on vulnerable women and girls, including those facing domestic violence, property disputes, and issues arising from the country’s past conflicts. Through legal advocacy, community engagement, and strategic partnerships, FIDA-Uganda works to create a just and peaceful society where women’s rights are respected.
International Center for Research on Women (ICRW)
Established in 2017, the International Center for Research on Women (ICRW) Uganda is a leading force for gender equality in East Africa. This non-profit research organization uses a unique approach, combining in-depth research with strong partnerships, to empower women, girls, and marginalized groups. ICRW Uganda tackles critical issues at the intersection of gender and social challenges, focusing on economic security, access to healthcare, climate action, and the fight for equitable social norms. Their impactful projects range from studying the impact of COVID-19 on women in the informal economy, to delivering sexual health education programs in underserved communities. By prioritizing marginalized groups and basing their work on sound research, ICRW Uganda provides data-driven solutions and collaborates with key stakeholders, making them a powerful partner in the fight for a more just and equitable world.
National Association of Professional Environmentalists (NAPE)
For over two decades, the National Association of Professional Environmentalists (NAPE) has been a powerful voice for marginalized communities in Uganda. Founded in 1997, this national advocacy organization champions sustainable management of natural resources, democracy, and human rights. NAPE tackles critical issues like climate change, land grabs by large corporations, and violence against women. Through initiatives like their Women’s Programme and community radio programs, they empower communities to defend their rights and build a more just future. From tackling environmental degradation caused by oil extraction to promoting food sovereignty, NAPE works tirelessly to ensure a healthy and equitable Uganda for all.
National Union of Disabled Persons of Uganda (NUDIPU)
Founded in 1987, the National Union of Disabled Persons of Uganda (NUDIPU) fights for inclusion across the country. This umbrella organization unites all disability categories and advocates for equal access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities. They work with government, communities, and religious institutions to challenge discrimination and empower persons with disabilities, prioritizing support for the most marginalised in the country!
Planning for Tomorrow (P4T) Global
Established in 2007 by refugees fleeing from war, violence and famine, Planning for Tomorrow (P4T) has become a beacon of hope in Uganda’s Kyangwali Refugee Settlement. This refugee-led organization goes beyond offering basic necessities. P4T empowers both refugees and Ugandans with a comprehensive support system, fostering self-reliance through early childhood education, vocational training, and crucial mental health services. Their mission to equip individuals with the tools they need to build a brighter future aligns perfectly with those seeking social justice and community empowerment.
Reach A Hand Uganda (RAHU)
Reach a Hand, Uganda (RAHU), established in 2011, is a Ugandan non-profit championing the empowerment of young people (aged 10-30). This youth-led organization tackles critical issues like Sexual Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR) and HIV/AIDS through truly innovative and forward-thinking programs. RAHU bridges the information gap by providing crucial knowledge and resources, equipping young Ugandans to make informed choices about their health and build a brighter future.
Restless Development
Restless Development Uganda, founded in 1997, is an advocate for young people (aged 10-30) across Eastern, Northern, and Central regions. This youth-led organization tackles critical issues like education, livelihoods, climate justice, and sexual health through innovative programs. Recognising the power young people hold for positive change, Restless Development equips them with skills and resources, empowering them to become leaders and tackle issues like youth unemployment and climate change. Their focus extends to marginalised groups like girls, young women, and persons with disabilities, ensuring a more inclusive and just future for all Ugandan youth.
Rape Hurts Foundation
In Eastern Uganda, the Rape Hurts Foundation (RHF) has been a beacon of hope for women and children since 2008. Based in Jinja, this non-profit organization tackles a range of issues affecting marginalized communities, with a particular focus on preventing and addressing Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV). Through education, improving access to health and legal services, and community participation programs, RHF empowers women to become self-sufficient and advocate for their rights. Their vision extends beyond SGBV, encompassing human trafficking, climate action, and economic opportunities. Working with both survivors and duty bearers, RHF works tirelessly to create a safer and more just future for women and girls in Eastern Uganda.
Reach Out Mbuya
Since 2001, Reach Out Mbuya (ROM) has empowered underprivileged communities across Uganda with holistic healthcare and social services. This Ugandan non-profit goes beyond just treating patients with HIV/AIDS, addressing adolescent health, gender-based violence and numerous community focused initials. By focusing on the well-being of people with HIV/AIDS, orphans, young mothers, the elderly, and more, ROM fosters resilience and a dignified life for all.
Slum Aid Project (SAP)
Founded in 1991 by university students concerned about women and children in Kampala’s slums, Slum Aid Project (SAP) fights for a just society. This Ugandan NGO tackles gender-based violence, poverty, and lack of education through direct services, community empowerment, and advocacy. Their mission is to equip women and girls in the slums with the tools they need to overcome marginalization and build a brighter future.
Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights Alliance Uganda (SRHR Alliance Uganda)
Despite a shrinking civil society space and cultural barriers, the Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights Alliance Uganda (SRHR Alliance Uganda) fights for a future where all young people have the information and services they need to make informed choices about their health. This consortium of Ugandan organizations, each with expertise in a specific area of SRHR, works together to empower young people with intersectional vulnerabilities, like those with disabilities or living with HIV, through advocacy, service delivery, and capacity building. Their vision? A society where young people can lead healthy and productive lives.
Touch Ministries Uganda
Rising from the ashes of regional conflict, TOUCH Ministries Uganda empowers children, women, and communities in Eastern Uganda. Founded in 2009, this NGO has grown from a children’s home into a powerful force for change. TOUCH Ministries offers quality education, economic opportunities, and healthcare to orphans, vulnerable children, women, and the elderly. Their holistic approach tackles poverty, food insecurity, and social welfare issues, all with the goal of building a self-sustaining and economically empowered future for the Teso sub-region.
The Uganda National Women’s Fish Organization (UNWFO)
Empowering women to become leaders in Uganda’s fisheries industry, the Uganda National Women’s Fish Organization (UNWFO) unites women fishers and fish farmers. Launched in 2019, this national network provides a platform for sharing knowledge, advocating for fair treatment, and ensuring women’s voices are heard. Their vision? A thriving fishing industry where women and youth are economically empowered and contribute significantly to food security and national development.
Uganda Women’s Network (UWONET)
Born from a movement for equality, Uganda Women’s Network (UWONET) unites women’s voices. This network of women’s rights organizations tackles gender discrimination through advocacy, capacity building, and legal aid. They work on national policy and local projects, empowering women with leadership skills, economic opportunities, and a platform to fight for a more just future.
WORUDET (WOMEN OF UGANDA NETWORK)
With a vision of A future where women and children in Northern Uganda can live free from poverty and injustice, Women and Rural Development Network (WORUDET) has been fighting for justice in war-torn communities. WORUDET empowers women and children in Northern Uganda. Founded in 2003, this women-led NGO tackles gender-based violence, promotes economic opportunities, and advocates for education and healthcare. They work alongside communities to dismantle harmful traditions and empower women as agents of change.
Youth Initiative for Development in Africa
In Kyaka II refugee settlement, Uganda, young people are building a brighter future. Youth Initiative for Development in Africa (YIDA), a refugee-led NGO, empowers youth and children with education and entrepreneurial opportunities. Founded in 2013, YIDA construct schools, provide vocational training, and offer start-up capital to turn young people’s ideas into viable businesses. This not only benefits refugees but also strengthens the host communities, creating a more sustainable future for all.
The Young Women’s Christian Association
Rooted in faith since 1952, the Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA) is Uganda’s women founded NGO. They have worked tirelessly across Uganda to empower women and girls across. This NGO works in 40 districts, equipping young women and girls with the skills and resources they need to become leaders and improve their lives. From vocational training and healthcare services to promoting peacebuilding and human rights, YWCA Uganda champions a brighter future for women and girls, enabling them to contribute meaningfully to their communities and build a more just nation.
