CALL FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST (EOI) FOR STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS

1. Background

ActionAid International Uganda (AAIU) is part of the Global ActionAid Federation working to achieve social justice, gender equality, and poverty eradication. Guided by its Country Strategy Paper VI (CSP 6: 2025 - 2029), AAIU seeks to strengthen its partnerships with civil society organizations, community-based organizations, refugee-led organizations, women-led organizations, youth-led organizations, social movements, academic institutions, private sector actors, and other development partners committed to advancing people-led social justice.

AAIU believes that people living in poverty and exclusion, particularly women and young people, possess the power and agency to transform their own lives and communities. Through strategic partnerships, AAIU seeks to strengthen collective action, amplify citizen voices, and address the structural causes of poverty, injustice, gender inequality, exclusion, and vulnerability.

2. Purpose of the Call

AAIU invites eligible organizations and institutions to submit Expressions of Interest (EOIs) for potential partnership opportunities under its Country Strategy Paper VI(CSP 6: 2025 –2029).

This EOI aims to establish a pool of competent and values-driven partners with whom AAIU may collaborate in programme design, implementation, advocacy, research, humanitarian response, evidence generation, policy engagement, and resource mobilization.

3. Strategic Priority Areas

Interested organizations should demonstrate experience in one or more of the following thematic areas:

A. Climate Justice and Humanitarian Response

• Climate change adaptation and resilience building
• Agroecology and sustainable food systems
• Renewable energy and energy justice
• Natural resource governance
• Disaster risk reduction and humanitarian preparedness
• Humanitarian response and recovery
• Community-led climate solutions
• Climate finance and loss and damage advocacy

B. Governance, Accountability and Social Justice

• Citizen participation and civic engagement
• Social accountability and anti-corruption initiatives
• Access to justice 
• Media and development programming
• Transparency and public service delivery monitoring

C. Women's Rights, Youth Empowerment and Decent Work

• Women's economic empowerment
• Youth livelihoods and employment
• Gender equality and feminist programming
• Prevention and response to Gender-Based Violence
• Leadership development for women and youth
• Women Peace & Security

D. Refugee and Humanitarian Programming

• Refugee livelihoods and self-reliance
• Social cohesion and peaceful coexistence
• Protection and safeguarding
• Durable solutions and resilience programming
• Refugee-led development initiatives
• Localization and community systems strengthening

E. Research, Learning and Innovation

• Participatory action research
• Evidence generation and policy analysis
• Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL)
• Digital innovations for development
• Knowledge management and documentation
• Strategic communications and campaigning

4. Partnership Principles

AAIU seeks partners that demonstrate commitment to:

• Human Rights-Based Programming
• Feminist Principles and Gender Justice
• Accountability and Transparency
• Localization and Community Leadership
• Safeguarding and Protection
• Participation and Inclusion
• Environmental Sustainability
• Mutual Respect and Complementarity
• Anti-Corruption and Ethical Conduct
• Learning and Continuous Improvement

5. Eligibility Criteria

Interested organizations should meet the following minimum requirements:

Civil Society and Community-Based Organizations

• Legally registered and operating in Uganda.
• Minimum five years of relevant operational experience.
• Demonstrated technical expertise in at least one priority area.
• Functional governance structures.
• Financial management and accountability systems.
• Proven experience managing donor-funded projects.
• Commitment to safeguarding, gender equality, and inclusion.

Refugee-Led and Grassroots Organizations

• Recognized community governance structures.
• Demonstrated community legitimacy and reach.
• Experience implementing community-based initiatives.
• Commitment to accountability and inclusion.

Academic and Research Institutions

• Proven expertise in research and evidence generation.
• Capacity to undertake policy analysis and knowledge products.
• Experience working with communities and development actors.

Private Sector and Social Enterprises

• Demonstrated commitment to social impact.
• Innovative solutions aligned with AAIU strategic priorities.
• Compliance with national laws and ethical standards.

6. Required Submission Documents

Interested organizations should submit:

1. Organizational profile (maximum 5 pages).
2. Certificate of registration/incorporation.
3. Governance structure and Board composition.
4. Strategic Plan.
5. Audited financial statements for the last two years.
6. Organizational safeguarding policy.
7. Anti-fraud and anti-corruption policy.
8. Gender policy.
9. Evidence of previous relevant projects.
10. At least three references from previous or current donors/partners.

7. Assessment Criteria

EOIs will be assessed based on:

8. Important Information

• Submission of an EOI does not guarantee partnership or funding.
• AAIU reserves the right to undertake due diligence and capacity assessments.
• Successful organizations may be invited for further engagement, partnership discussions, consortium development, framework agreements, or future funding opportunities.
• Women-led, youth-led, refugee-led, and grassroots organizations are strongly encouraged to apply.

9. Submission Process

Applications should be submitted electronically with the subject line:

"Expression of Interest for Partnership with ActionAid International Uganda"

Addressed to:

The Country Director
ActionAid International Uganda
Plot 2514/2515 Ggaba Road, Kansanga
P.O. Box 676, Kampala, Uganda

Email: Info.Uganda@actionaid.org

10. Deadline

EOIs must be received no later than: 

2ndJuly 2026, 5:00 PM EAT

Late submissions will not be considered.

11. ActionAid Commitment

ActionAid International Uganda is an equal opportunity organization committed to social justice, gender equality, safeguarding, accountability, transparency, and meaningful participation of people living in poverty and exclusion. We particularly encourage applications from organizations led by women, young people, refugees, persons with disabilities, and marginalized communities.