Organisational Impact and Program Reach

CARE International in Uganda achieved significant impact during FY2024, reaching a total of 1,570,239 people across multiple thematic areas. The organization’s work spanned six key intervention areas: Right to Health (492,802 people reached), Humanitarian Action (733,424), Women and Girls y (541,256), Resilient Futures (305,014), Right to Food, Water and Nutrition (309,625), and Women Economic Justice (230,730). The organization maintained its focus on community self-help, gender transformation, and locally-led initiatives while working across North, East, Central, West, and South-West Uganda. CARE’s approach emphasized partnerships with government bodies, private sector entities, and NGOs, with particular attention to promoting gender equality and combating gender-based violence through male engagement programs and community dialogues.

Financial Performance and Resource Management

The organization demonstrated improved financial performance in FY2024, achieving a surplus of $124,845 compared to a deficit of $1,463,127 in the previous year. Total revenue increased by 8% from $12 million to $13 million, primarily supported by restricted grants through CARE International Members ($9 million), US Government and other US federations ($3 million), and US private funding ($200K). Total expenditures decreased by 5% from $13.6 million to $12.9 million, with strategic shifts including a 5% increase in partnership spending to $3.5 million and a 14% reduction in program supplies and materials. The organization secured five new projects totaling $10 million, with 66% allocated to development and 45% to humanitarian efforts.

Partnership Strategy and Local Leadership

CARE Uganda made substantial progress in implementing locally-led development approaches, with over 30% of projects implemented through local partners. The organization partnered with more than 18 Women-Led and Women’s Rights Organizations (WLOs/WROs) and allocated significant funding directly to local organizations, including 58% (€1.5 million) of CASCADE project funding. Partnership expenses totaled $3.56 million (30% of total wealth distributed), reflecting CARE’s commitment to the Pledge for Change 2030 initiative. The organization provided tailored capacity-building plans for partners, introduced equitable risk management frameworks, and focused on reducing compliance burdens while encouraging shared accountability.

Risk Management and Operational Challenges

CARE Uganda maintained robust risk management practices across multiple categories including human resources, safety and security, political, operational, environmental, sustainability, and financial risks. Key identified risks included potential quality and delivery issues due to locally-led agenda complexities, fraud risks among staff and partners, partnership management challenges, infectious disease outbreaks, and political instability from neighboring countries and upcoming 2026 elections. The organization addressed these through the Integrated Business Services Model, strengthened due-diligence processes, anti-fraud awareness training, staff capacity building for soft skills, and regular security updates from relevant government agencies.

Sustainability and Accountability Measures

The organization demonstrated strong commitment to transparency and accountability through comprehensive reporting following Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) guidelines. CARE Uganda maintained zero tolerance for fraud and corruption, handling six reported cases during FY2024, with four substantiated and two not substantiated. The workforce comprised a diverse team with strong gender balance and age distribution across different levels. The Value-Added Statement showed that 30% of available wealth was distributed to partners, 28% to national staff salaries and benefits, and 22% to direct project activities, demonstrating significant local economic contribution. The organization successfully maintained its tax exemption status while working toward formal written confirmation from tax authorities.