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Social Innovation Country Report:
Uganda
In Uganda, there is a working definition for social innovation used by policymakers but not legally recognized.
Legal and Policy Frameworks

Uganda has adopted the following legal frameworks, strategies, and vision documents related to social innovation:

  • Social Entrepreneurship
  • Social Innovation
  • Social Businesses
  • Social [and Solidarity] Economy
  • Community based
  • led organizations
  • SDG
  • ESG
  • Savings and Credit Cooperative Societies
Current stage of implementation:
Stage3: Social Entrepreneurship / Innovation / Businesses / [and Solidarity] Economy
Stage4: ESG
Stage5: SDG

with

  • Stage1: “No Policy or Recognition: No formal recognition, discussion, or policy exists. The sector operates informally or without government involvement.”;
  • Stage2: “Initial Discussions & Awareness: The government acknowledges the sector and has started discussions or consultations, but no formal policy framework or regulation exists.”;
  • Stage3: “Draft Policy or Framework in Development: A draft policy, strategy, or regulatory framework is currently being developed. The government may be conducting research, stakeholder consultations, or legislative drafting.”;
  • Stage4: “Pilot Programs or Limited Implementation: Some initiatives, pilot projects, or partial government-backed programs exist, but full implementation has not yet been achieved. Policies may be tested in select regions or for specific groups.”;
  • Stage5: “Policy Adopted but Not Fully Implemented: A formal law, policy, or regulation has been passed, but it has not been fully implemented, enforced, or funded. Gaps in execution may still exist.”;
  • Stage6: “Policy in Effect & Actively Implemented: The policy is fully enacted and actively being implemented. There is clear government support, funding, and enforcement mechanisms in place.”;
  • Stage7: “Policy Reviewed & Strengthened: The existing policy has been evaluated and improved over time based on feedback, data, or evolving needs. New funding, incentives, or structural reforms may have been introduced.”; and
  • Stage8: “Leading in Policy Innovation: The country is recognized as a leader in this policy area, with best practices, strong regulatory frameworks, and incentives that actively promote and support the sector.”

More details

2 draft policies

  1. National Social Impact Assessment and Capital Growth Policy.
  2. Uganda National Social Impact Assessment and Accountability Bill

There exist Non Governmental Organization ACT (2016) that strengthens relationship between NGos & Government, also enhance capacities and effectiveness in areas of service delivery, advocacy and community empowerment

Nationalized as Uganda Vision 2040 and implemented through the National Development Plans revised every 5 years to streamline progress. There exist the National SDG secretariat seated at the Office of the Prime Minister

The legal and regulatory landscape for ESG is evolving mostly within the banking sector especially the banking sector and international cooperators operating within the country. The banking sector have moved ahead by developing ESG Framework for Uganda Banking sectors

Ecosystem Actors
Key Actors in the Ecosystem
  1. Ministry of Gender Department of Equity and Rights Drafted policies mentioned earlier, supported mapping and coordination efforts of social innovation actors both private and government
  2. Corporate bodies e.g. Rotary club of Uganda, Banks e.g. Stanbic Innovation Lab, Cultural Institutions across all 7 major cultures in Uganda that holds annual cultural festivals and marathons.
  3. NGOs E.G. Innovation Village, Yunus Business center,
Education and Capacity Building

Formal and informal education programs that support social innovation exist in the following forms in Uganda:

  • Limited or informal programs:“ Some training programs, workshops, or university courses are available, but they are not widespread or systematically integrated into the education system
  • University-level courses or degrees:“ Social innovation, social entrepreneurship, or impact-driven business programs are offered as courses, degrees, or research tracks in universities or technical institutions.

Examples:

  • Limited efforts made to organize Workshops and meetings to bring Social Innovation actors together
  • Social Risk Management Course being introduced in 3 Universities
Coordinating Bodies

A centralized body responsible for coordinating social innovation efforts across sectors NA in Uganda.

Ecosystem Communication
The level of communication and coordination among key actors in Uganda’s social innovation ecosystem is currently Minimal:“ actors work in silos with minimal communication.
Support Mechanisms for Policy and Finance
Policy Incentives and Support Mechanisms

No existing incentives

Financing Mechanisms
Impact
Flagship Programs and Achievements

Notable achievements and flagship programs in social innovation in Uganda include:

  • Uganda Women Entrepreneurship Programme strengthening community grassroots savings and self help initiatives by women
  • Annual Rotary Charity Marathons
  • Annual Cultural Festivals and runs e.g. Ateker, Kabaka run, etc
  • JAMAFEST (East Africa Arts and Culture Festival)
  • Kampala City Council Caravan
  • Other smaller sub regional based or district initiatives
International Collaborations

Uganda is involved in international collaborations on social innovation through the following initiatives:

  • JAMAFEST (East Africa Art and Culture festivals) Young Women Achievers and change makers Charity Initiatives
Tech for Good Innovations
Impact Measurement Frameworks

Uganda does not have a formal framework or methodology for measuring social innovation impact.

Economic Contribution of Social Innovation
Reports on Social Impact

There are no Reports and studies that assess the social impact of innovation in Uganda.

Policy Momentum

Momentum for social innovation as a public policy issue in Uganda is currently rated as:

  • Some Momentum: There is growing awareness and initial efforts in public policy, but implementation remains limited or fragmented.
Barriers to Growth

The following barriers are currently hindering the growth of social innovation in Uganda:

  • Lack of sustainable funding model,
  • Regulatory and legal barriers
  • Weak collaboration between public, private, and civil society sectors
  • Difficulty in measuring and demonstrating impact
  • No national structure and strong apex institution or council
Collaborative Ideas

Proposals from Uganda for potential collaborative initiatives with other GCSI members include:

  • Through reviving and strengthening the East Africa art and Culture Festival or creating a similar initiative focusing on social impacts
  • Uganda is currently the Chairperson of Non Aligned Movement countries. We can leverage on this opportunity to advance SI programmes.

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