1.HISTORY Caritas Archdiocese of Tororo, as the social development arm of the Catholic Archdiocese of Tororo under its then Archbishop, aimed to address the socio-economic needs of rural communities in the region. The organization was established as part of the broader Caritas network, the charitable arm of the Catholic Church globally. 1. Initial Establishment: Initial activities included providing basic needs such as food, clothing, relief items, and clean water. The organization also began working on community development projects and capacity building through Catholic church parishes in various districts. 2. Expansion and Development: During this period, Caritas broadened its focus to encompass socio-economic development. The organization started collaborating more extensively with local governments and church structures, enhancing its ability to reach more communities effectively. 3. Institutional Strengthening and Program Diversification: This stage saw significant efforts in institutional strengthening, including staff training, improved management practices, and enhanced monitoring and evaluation systems. Caritas also diversified its programs to include more comprehensive agricultural development, emergency response, disaster risk reduction and preparedness, and community microfinance services. 4. Gender Integration and Inclusive Development: • Gender Mainstreaming: Caritas began explicitly incorporating gender considerations into its programs, ensuring that both men and women had equalaccess to resources and opportunities. This included targeted interventions to empower women and address gender-based disparities. • Policy Development: The organization developed and implemented gender-sensitive policies to guide its operations and ensure that gender equality was a core component of its development strategies. • Community Engagement: Caritas enhanced its efforts to engage women and marginalized groups in community decision-making processes, recognizing their critical role in sustainable development. Major Changes and Impacts: • Integration of Gender Perspectives: One of the most notable changes has been the systematic integration of gender considerations into all aspects of Caritas’s work. This shift has involved training staff on gender issues, designing programs that address the specific needs of women and marginalized groups, and creating mechanisms for monitoring and evaluating gender impacts. • Increased Collaboration: Caritas has strengthened partnerships with local governments, NGOs, and other community-based organizations, facilitating more coordinated and effective development efforts. • Focus on Sustainability: The organization has increasingly focused on sustainable development practices, including environmental conservation, formation of cooperatives, and community resilience-building. 2. ACHIEVEMENTS Over the past three years, Caritas Archdiocese of Tororo has achieved several significant results, leading to structural, sustained, and positive improvements in the lives of individuals and communities in the target districts of the Eastern region of Uganda. These results can be categorizedinto various areas of their work, reflecting their holistic approach and impactful interventions: Income-Generating Activities: • Empowerment through Training and Support: Caritas has empowered women and youth by providing them with skills training and support for small businesses. This has resulted in increased financial independence and improved livelihoods for these groups. Community Resilience Building: • Disaster Preparedness: Caritas has developed and implemented disaster preparedness and response plans, including early warning systems and community training. This has increased the resilience of communities to natural disasters such as floods and droughts, working closely with Oxfam under the ECHO-funded project. • Emergency Relief: During emergencies, Caritas has provided relief and support, including food and shelter, helping affected communities recover more quickly,especially in the Mt. Elgon mudslide-prone districts of Bududa, Sironko, Bulambuli, and Butaleja. Tree Planting and Land Restoration: • Reforestation Initiatives: Caritas has successfully implemented tree planting programs on degraded lands. This has ledto improved soil fertility, enhanced biodiversity, and increased carbon sequestration. • Sustainable Agriculture Practices: Training farmers in sustainable land management techniques and soil conservation has increased agricultural productivity and reduced environmental degradation. Addressing Exclusion and Inequality: • Inclusive Program Design: Caritas projects have been designed with a focus on inclusivity, ensuring that marginalized groups, including women, children, and persons with disabilities,benefit equally from development interventions. • Community Engagement: By actively involving community members in decision-making processes and project implementation, Caritas has fostered a sense of ownership and empowerment, leading to more equitableand sustainable outcomes. Integrated Livelihood Projects: • Comprehensive Support: Caritas's holistic approach to development has integrated various aspects such as agriculture, water, and education, leading tosynergistic benefits. For example, improved agricultural practices have been complemented by better access to water and sanitation,resulting in an overall improved quality of life. • Collaboration with Local Stakeholders: By working closely with local governments and other stakeholders, Caritas has enhanced the effectiveness and reach of its interventions, ensuring that development efforts are well-coordinated and impactful. 3.INSTITUTIONAL PURPOSE Mission: Caritas Tororo exists to empower communities through capacity building and advocacy for sustainable development Institutional objectives: • Promote and implement sustainable agricultural practices to increase food security and boost income levels for local farmers. • Deliver targeted assistance and comprehensive support tocommunities within the Caritas affected by natural disasters, while also implementing disaster risk reduction strategies to enhanceresilience and preparedness. • Strengthen the capacity of Caritas to incorporate climate change considerations into its developmentplans and strategies, ensuring environmental sustainability. • Build and strengthen partnerships to promote alternative household incomes through sustainable practices and the development of social enterprises. • Ensure equal participation and representation of persons with disabilities (PWDs), youth, women, and men in all development programs, enhancing overall family well-being. • Develop the capacity of the Caritas to mobilize resources effectively, ensuring the long-term sustainability and impact of its institutional initiatives. Field(s) of Activity: 1) Sustainable Livelihoods <(>&<)> Food Security: To enhance the economic well-being and food security of vulnerable communities through improved agricultural practices, income-generatingactivities, and capacity-building. Targeting Smallholder farmers, marginalized communities, and vulnerable households. 2) Climate Change Resilience and Adaptation: To build resilience against climate change impacts by promoting adaptive practices and sustainable environmental management targeting Farming rural communities. 3) Emergency Humanitarian Response and Disaster Risk Management: To provide timely assistance during emergencies and implement measures to reduce the risk of disasters and enhance community preparedness. targeting communities prone and affected by natural disasters, internally displaced persons, and vulnerable populations. 4) Youth Capacity Development / Skilling Programsfor Vulnerable Groups: To empower youth and other vulnerable groups through skills development and capacity-building initiatives, fostering self-reliance and economic opportunities. Targeting Youth, women, young Mothers and other marginalized groups 5) Water, Hygiene, and Sanitation (WASH): To improve access to clean water, sanitation facilities, and hygiene practices, thereby reducing waterborne diseases and improving overall community health. Targeting Rural communities. Geographic Areas Caritas Archdiocese of Tororo is dedicated to uplifting the communities across Eastern Uganda, including the districts of Busia, Tororo, Butaleja, Budaka, Manafwa, Namisindwa, Bududa, Sironko, Mbale Rural, Pallisa, Butebo, Bulambuli, Kibuku, Kapchorwa, Kween, Bukwo, and Mbale City. This region faces significant challenges, including high levels of poverty, suboptimal agricultural practices, inadequate access to clean water, and frequent disaster risks. Through its programs, Caritas seeks to address these issues and support sustainable development andresilience withinthese vulnerable communities. Specific Areas of Focus • Rural Communities: Much of Caritas’s work is concentrated in rural areas where access to resources and services is limited, and the need for support in livelihoods, and resilience is high. • Vulnerable Communities: The organization targets particularly vulnerable groups, including marginalized populations, internally displaced persons, and those affected by climate change or disasters. 4. STRATEGIC POSITIONING Caritas Archdiocese of Tororo,basedin Tororo, covers the districts of Busia, Tororo, Butaleja, Budaka, Manafwa, Namisindwa, Bududa, Sironko, Mbale Rural, Pallisa, Butebo,Bulambuli, Kibuku, Kapchorwa, Kween, Bukwo, and Mbale City. This region, like many parts of Uganda, faces a variety ofsocioeconomicchallenges, including: • Poverty: High levels of poverty affect access to basic needs such as education, healthcare, and clean water. • Agricultural Dependence: The local economy is largely based on subsistence farming, which is vulnerable to climatic conditions and market fluctuations. • Infrastructure Issues: Limited infrastructure, such as poor road conditions and inadequate healthcare facilities, impacts the delivery of services. • Political Structure: The district is governedby local administrative structures and local councils, responsible for implementing government policies at the grassroots level. • Cultural Diversity: the region is home to various ethnic groups with distinct cultural practices, influencing social interactionsand community life. • Community Needs: There is a strong need for community-driven projects addressing local challenges, including education, health, and economic empowerment. Relevant Social Actors: • Government Entities: District Local Governmentsoversee local development projects, resource allocation, andthe implementation of government programs. • National Government Agencies: Agencies such as the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Education and Sports, and the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries contribute to policy-making and implementation affecting the district. • International NGOs: Organizations such as UNICEF, Oxfam, and World Vision work in areas related to health, education, and emergency response. • Local NGOs andCommunity-Based Organizations (CBOs): These organizations focus on grassroots issues, including health, education, and economic development, often collaborating with Caritas on specific projects. • Local Businesses: Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in agriculture, retail, and services play a crucial role in the local economy. Partnerships with these businesses can enhance community development and job creation. • Academic and Research Institutions: Buginyanya Zonal Agricultural Research and Development Institute (BugiZARDI) is a key player in agricultural research and development. Unique Position ofCaritas Archdiocese of Tororo: • Faith-Based Approach: Caritas operates from a faith-based perspective, which influences its approach to developmentand social services. This approach emphasizes compassion, dignity, and community support, aligning with the broadermission of the Catholic Church. • Holistic Development Focus: Caritas is known for its comprehensive approach to development, addressing not only immediate needs but also underlying issues related to poverty, health, and education. This holistic perspective integrates social, economic, and spiritual dimensions. • Community Integration: Caritas has a deep-rooted presence within the community, often working directly with local leaders, churches, and community groups. This integration allows for tailored interventions that are culturally sensitive and contextually appropriate. • Collaboration with Stakeholders: Caritas collaborates with a wide range of stakeholders, including government bodies and other NGOs. This collaborative approach enhances its ability to leverage resources, share expertise, and implement effective programs 5. FUNCTIONAL ORGANISATIONAL CHART (include below yourorganisational chart) a) Governance Archbishop: Provide strategic vision and direction for Caritas Archdiocese of Tororo, ensuring alignment with the Church's mission and values. • Number of People: 1 • Gender: Male Supervisory Board: Develop and approve policies and strategic plans to guidethe organization's activities and ensure they align with the mission and vision. • Number of People: 11 • Gender: Male (6) and female (5) b) Executive Management Director: Oversees all operations, strategic planning, and implementation of Caritas's mission andobjectives. Represents Caritas to external stakeholders. • Number of People: 1 • Gender: Male or female Deputy Director: Assists the Director in management duties and takes over in the Director’s absence. Focuses on specific areas such as programs or administration. • Number of People: 1 • Gender: Male c) Program Management Head of Programs/ Human Resource Manages specific programs, including planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation. Coordinates with field staff and stakeholders Manages recruitment and staff development. • Number of People: 1 • Gender: Male Project Coordinators: Oversees specific projects within the program, ensures project goals are met, and manages project teams. • Number of People: 5 • Gender: Male (2) and Female (3) d) Field Operations Field Staff Executes community-based activities, collects data, and engages directly with beneficiaries. • Number of People: 10 • Gender: Male (6) and Female (4) e) Finance Operations Head of Finance / Accountant Manages financial operations, including budgeting, accounting, and financial reporting. • Number of People: 1 • Gender: Female Accounts Assistant/ Administrative Officer Handles administrative tasks, including office management, correspondence, and support for other departments. • Number of People: 1 • Gender: Female Support Staff Drivers are responsible for safely transporting people or goods from one location to another and Cleaning staff are responsible for maintaining cleanliness and hygiene in facilities. • Number of People: 2 • Gender: Male (1) and Female (1) The gender distribution in each role can vary, and Caritas aims for diversity and inclusion inits staffing practices.

Caritas Archdiocese of Tororo

Norvegian Agency Development Cooperation

Oxfam Novib

Oxfam Novib