Department of Sociology & Anthropology, Makerere University info@usaaug.org 0772 525 487
Where Our Work Meets the World
USAA Functional Programs Areas
USAA's work is organised around six core programme areas – each one reflecting a specific commitment to the profession, to our members, and to Ugandan society. Together, they form the practical expression of our mission to promote sociology and anthropology as professional disciplines in Uganda.
Capacity Development Program
The Capacity Development Program is anchored by the Committee on Capacity Building (CCD) and led by the Executive Committee member responsible for Capacity Development. Its core mandate is the intellectual and professional growth of USAA members and the broader discipline of sociology and anthropology in Uganda.
Key functions include:
- Designing, coordinating, and delivering training programmes for USAA members to strengthen their professional competencies in sociological and anthropological research and practice.
- Organising thematic workshops, symposia, and conferences on sociology and anthropology at both national and international levels, positioning USAA as a convening authority in the social sciences.
- Setting guidelines and policy on sociological and anthropological publications, including academic journals, to foster a culture of scholarly output among members.
• Taking lead in planning, implementation, and oversight of all capacity development activities of the Association, and reporting to the Executive Committee and General Assembly on progress.
- Representing USAA at external forums related to capacity development, academic training, and professional development in the social sciences.
Publicity and Publications Program
This program is driven by the Committee on Publicity (CP) and the Publicity Secretary on the Executive Committee. It governs how USAA presents itself to the public and engages with external audiences.
Key functions include:
- Managing and coordinating media engagements to ensure regular, positive, and professional visibility of USAA in print, broadcast, and digital media.
- Overseeing public relations activities that position sociology and anthropology as relevant and valued disciplines in Uganda's development landscape.
- Coordinating Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives through which USAA demonstrates public value and community relevance.
- Developing and maintaining USAA's online presence - including the website and social media platforms to ensure sustained public engagement with the Association's work.
- Supporting the production and dissemination of publications (in coordination with the Capacity Development Program) including newsletters, policy briefs, and academic outputs that raise the profile of the Association.
Membership Development Program
This program is managed by the Committee on Membership Engagement (CME), chaired by the Executive Committee member for Membership Affairs. It is responsible for the growth, retention, and welfare of USAA's membership base.
Key functions include:
- Conducting membership recruitment drives by reaching out to universities, research institutions, government agencies, and communities that represent the catchment area for eligible sociologists and anthropologists.
- Receiving, screening, and processing new membership applications, and recommending them to the Executive Committee for admission.
- Processing and issuing membership certificates, identity cards, and other forms of official membership documentation.
- Managing a membership accreditation mechanism to ensure standards of professional recognition within the Association.
- Recommending eligible members to the Executive Committee for provision of professional referrals and references as required.
- Maintaining regular, responsive communication with members - addressing queries, disseminating information, and ensuring members feel engaged and supported.
Finance and Procurement Department
This department is operationalised through the Committee on Finance and Procurement (CFP), chaired by the Treasurer. It is the financial stewardship and accountability arm of USAA.
Key functions include:
- Developing and reviewing financial policies and guidelines that govern the management of USAA's resources in a transparent, accountable, and compliant manner.
- Overseeing financial planning and budgeting for the Association, including the preparation of annual budgets for Executive Committee consideration and General Assembly approval.
- Recruiting and supervising finance staff and consultants, including the selection of External Auditors, and reviewing audit reports on behalf of the Executive Committee.
- Overseeing audit operations of the Association to ensure accurate financial reporting and regulatory compliance.
- Serving as the official internal procurement evaluation committee, ensuring that all procurement is conducted in a fair, competitive, and value-for-money manner.
- Monitoring the Association's financial accounts, co-signing as required, and ensuring that financial records are properly maintained and regularly reviewed.
Monitoring and Evaluation Program
This program area is a cross-cutting function that supports all other programs.
Key functions include:
- Developing and maintaining a results-based monitoring framework that tracks progress against USAA's annual work plans, strategic objectives, and program-level targets.
- Coordinating the annual Executive Committee self-assessment process using agreed evaluation tools (as provided in Appendix 2 and 3 of the Governance Manual), covering both collective and individual performance.
- Generating quarterly and annual progress reports for review by the Executive Committee and presentation to the General Assembly, covering achievements, gaps, and lessons learned.
- Providing evidence-based input into USAA's strategic planning and decision-making by tracking key indicators across membership growth, capacity development, publications, and financial performance.
- Supporting the development and implementation of a Governance Action Plan arising from performance evaluations, to continuously improve USAA's governance and program delivery.
- Liaising with external evaluators or technical support consultants when independent, objective assessment of the Association's performance is required.