Department of Sociology & Anthropology, Makerere University info@usaaug.org 0772 525 487
Frequently Asked Questions
All questions about USAA
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Frequently Asked Questions
About USAA
The Uganda Sociological and Anthropological Association (USAA) is a non-profit professional association for sociologists and anthropologists within Uganda and the diaspora. It was founded in 2006 and is registered as a Company Limited by Guarantee under the Companies Act (Cap. 110). USAA brings together professionals in academia, research, and development practice to advance the discipline and serve its members.
USAA was officially inaugurated on 8th August 2006 at Hotel Africana, Kampala, in a general meeting convened by the management and staff of the Department of Sociology at Makerere University. An interim Executive Committee was elected at that founding meeting.
No. USAA is an independent, non-profit professional association. However, we work closely with relevant government ministries and bodies, particularly in advocating for the formal regulation and recognition of the sociology and anthropology profession in Uganda.
The USAA Secretariat is located at the Department of Sociology and Anthropology, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala. You can also reach us by email at info@usaaug.org.
USAA's vision is "A society living and developing within its full and potential values and means." Our mission is "Promoting sociology and anthropology as professional disciplines in Uganda."
Frequently Asked Questions
Membership
USAA has five membership categories: Ordinary Members (graduates with a sociology or anthropology qualification), Student Members (registered undergraduates), Associate Members (interested persons without a sociology/anthropology degree), Institutional Members (universities and research organisations), and Honorary Members (distinguished contributors to the discipline). See our Fees & Pricing page for full eligibility details.
Visit our Membership Application page, complete the online form, and upload your CV and certified academic transcripts. Your application will be reviewed by the Membership Committee, which meets quarterly. You will be notified of the outcome and given one week to complete payment to finalise your membership.
Ordinary membership requires a one-off registration fee of UGX 50,000 and an annual subscription of UGX 50,000. Student membership costs UGX 30,000 per year. Fees for other categories are determined by the General Assembly. See our Fees & Pricing page for full details.
Annual subscription is due within the first quarter of each year (January–March). A member who fails to pay for more than two consecutive years automatically loses membership and must re-apply as a new member, paying both registration and subscription fees afresh.
Upon becoming a full member, you receive an official USAA Certificate of Membership, a membership number, access to the member directory, a copy of the USAA Memorandum and Articles of Association, and the ability to access all USAA member benefits - including capacity building opportunities, referrals, accreditation, and event participation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Governance & Leadership
USAA is governed by the General Assembly - its supreme governing body, constituted by all paid-up members. The General Assembly meets annually and makes key decisions on policy, budgets, elections, and constitutional matters. Day-to-day operations are managed by an elected Executive Committee (Board) of seven members.
Any paid-up Ordinary Member who is a sociologist or anthropologist may stand for election to the Executive Committee, provided they meet the criteria set out in the Governance Manual - including being free of conflicts of interest, having relevant experience, and being willing to serve without financial reward.
Executive Committee members serve a term of three years and may serve a maximum of two consecutive terms (six years total). No member may remain on the Executive Committee for more than ten consecutive years.
USAA operates six standing committees: Committee on Publicity and Publications (CPP), Committee on Membership Development (CMD), Committee on Capacity Development (CCD), Committee on Professional Ethics (COPE), Committee on Finance and Procurement (CFP), and the Trustees Advisory Committee (TAC).
All paid-up Ordinary Members are eligible to vote in General Assembly elections, stand for election to the Executive Committee, and participate in standing committees. Contact the Secretariat to find out how you can contribute.
Frequently Asked Questions
Services & Events
USAA organizes training workshops, seminars, and thematic conferences on topics relevant to sociology and anthropology. We also facilitate member participation in national and international events. Check our Events page and the Resources section for current opportunities.
USAA coordinates the publication of a professional journal for sociologists and anthropologists. Members interested in publishing research should contact the Secretariat or the Committee on Capacity Development for information on submission guidelines and timelines.
USAA does not provide direct job placement, but we do support members with professional references and referrals, and we list career opportunities on our Career Opportunities page. We also advocate for the formal recognition of the profession to improve employment prospects for qualified sociologists and anthropologists.
Some USAA events; particularly public seminars, open lectures, and community outreach activities - are open to non-members and the general public. Events exclusively for members will be clearly marked as such. Check individual event listings on our Events page for details.
Complaints about the professional conduct of USAA members should be submitted in writing to the Secretariat at info@usaaug.org. Complaints are handled by the Committee on Professional Ethics (COPE), which investigates all credible concerns and imposes appropriate sanctions where a violation of the USAA Code of Ethics is confirmed.