Organisational Performance and Impact

CARE International Uganda demonstrated significant operational scale during fiscal year 2023, implementing diverse programs across economic empowerment, gender justice, climate resilience, and humanitarian response. The organization reached over 61,562 farmers through agricultural programs integrated with sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR) and gender-based violence (GBV) prevention components. Notable achievements included establishing 48 women’s safe spaces in West Nile and Acholi sub-regions, engaging over 54,371 community members in GBV prevention activities through SASA! Activists, and reaching 73,107 pupils with school health and sanitation programs – significantly exceeding initial targets. The DREAMS Project successfully facilitated partnerships with Post Bank to expand financial services for women entrepreneurs and influenced policy discussions about establishing a national bank for financial inclusion.

Financial Performance and Resource Management

The organization experienced a challenging financial year with revenue increasing 27% to $15 million while expenditure rose 33% to $15.3 million, resulting in a deficit of $1.46 million compared to a surplus of $66,357 in the previous year. Revenue distribution showed 36% allocated to gender justice programs, 34% to livelihoods, 15% to humanitarian efforts, and 12% to climate justice initiatives. The organization signed five new projects totaling $15 million during the year, with 90% focused on development and 10% on humanitarian work. Employee costs grew 17% reflecting program expansion and inflationary adjustments, while partnership expenses increased 61% to $3.8 million, aligning with CARE’s localization agenda to strengthen partnerships with Ugandan organizations.

Operational Environment and Challenges

CARE Uganda operated in a complex environment marked by reduced donor funding amid increasing humanitarian needs. The country hosted 1,561,634 refugees and asylum seekers by June 2023, primarily from the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan, creating substantial demand for services. The organization maintained operations across multiple regions including North, East, Central, West, and South-West Uganda, implementing projects in health, economic development, agriculture, and natural resource management. Current assets decreased 21% primarily due to timing of cash flows and improved donor billing and collections, while liabilities reduced 24% indicating better financial management despite the overall deficit.

Risk Management and Governance

The organization significantly strengthened its risk management framework during FY23, appointing a Head of Risk and implementing comprehensive internal controls to prevent fraud and corruption. Management conducted regular internal audits including a CARE USA management audit alongside monthly spot checks, and revised procurement policies with new procurement manuals. The organization handled 11 reported cases through its integrity framework, with 3 substantiated and 8 not substantiated, demonstrating active monitoring of ethical standards. Risk management efforts focused on disaster preparedness, staff training, community engagement, and technology solutions for real-time monitoring, while maintaining strict compliance with local and international regulations.

Sustainability and Value Creation

CARE Uganda’s value-added statement revealed the organization distributed $10.8 million in wealth to various stakeholders, with 25% going to national staff salaries and benefits, 25% to partnerships and sub-grants, 22% to direct project activities, and smaller portions to international staff, consultants, and operational expenses. The organization maintained strong diversity metrics with 59% female staff representation and promoted gender equality through male action groups and women’s economic empowerment programs. The sustainability report emphasized CARE’s commitment to comprehensive stakeholder reporting following Global Reporting Initiative guidelines, demonstrating accountability to donors, partners, and communities served while maintaining focus on long-term impact and organizational resilience.