The Fidelis Leadership Institute (FLI) and the Austrian Embassy and Development Cooperation have signed a landmark partnership agreement on October 17, 2025, to deliver a two-day governance and accountability training for Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in Uganda.
This initiative, aligned with Uganda’s legal frameworks, including the Non-Governmental Organizations (Amendment) Act, 2024 (NGO Act) and the Companies Act, 2012, aims to strengthen CSO leadership, transparency, and accountability to enhance their impact in advancing human rights and social justice.
The training, themed "Strengthening CSOs through Governance and Accountability under Ugandan Law", is scheduled for October 23–24, 2025, at the Fairway Hotel in Kampala.
"The training will equip up to 50 CSO leaders with practical tools to implement robust governance structures, fulfill directors’ roles and obligations, and ensure accountability within Uganda’s regulatory environment. The program includes interactive workshops, case studies, and networking sessions to develop tailored governance and accountability action plans," officials said.
"This partnership reflects Austria’s commitment to supporting good governance and civil society capacity-building in Uganda, emphasizing rule of law, gender equality, and inclusive development."
The Fidelis Leadership Institute, a Kampala-based faith-inspired organization founded in 2019, brings its expertise in transformative leadership, having trained hundreds of leaders across Africa through programs like the F.A.T. Leadership Fellowship.
“This agreement highlights our dedication to empowering Uganda’s civil society through governance and accountability training. By partnering with Fidelis Leadership Institute, we are equipping CSO leaders with the skills to lead with integrity and navigate Uganda’s legal framework, ensuring their advocacy remains impactful and sustainable," said Dr. Katja Kerschbaumer, Head of the Austrian Embassy and Development Cooperation Office in Uganda
Pheona Nabasa Wall, SC, Executive Director of Fidelis Leadership Institute welcomed the partnership.
“At FLI, we believe that governance and accountability are the foundation of effective civil society work. This collaboration with the Austrian Embassy will empower CSO leaders to operate with transparency and resilience, driving transformative change. We are honored to lead this initiative at the Fairway Hotel," she said.
The training is designed to be inclusive, featuring expert facilitators from Ugandan legal networks, the National Bureau for NGOs, and governance specialists.
Participants from diverse sectors, including gender rights, environmental justice, and indigenous advocacy, are encouraged to attend, with priority for those from underserved regions.