The MoU was officially signed on August 6, 2025, marking a significant milestone in cross-sectoral partnerships aimed at addressing some of Uganda’s most pressing development and humanitarian challenges. This collaboration focuses on the joint pursuit, preparation, submission, and implementation of grant-funded initiatives across a broad range of priority sectors including Health, Education, Disaster Risk Management, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), Food Security, Climate Change Adaptation, and Refugee Response, among others.

“This partnership underscores the growing need for research-driven, community-informed, and evidence-based action in Uganda’s humanitarian and development sectors,” said Dr. Daniel Atwine, Executive Director of SRF-RTCs and Soar Research Foundation. “Together with URCS, we aim to bring scientific rigor and local relevance into every intervention that impacts the lives of vulnerable populations.”

Key components of the collaboration include:

  • Joint development and implementation of grant proposals across thematic areas
  • Exchange of research materials, documentation, and technical resources aligned with shared objectives
  • Mutual capacity strengthening in research and proposal development to improve funding success and project quality
  • Use of research findings for publication, policy advocacy, and evidence-based programming at scale
  • Youth empowerment and capacity building, particularly through URCS branches like Mbarara, aligned with national priorities
  • Flexibility to engage in additional joint initiatives that may arise during the partnership

Speaking on behalf of URCS, Mr. Robert Kwesiga, Secretary General, emphasized the MoU’s potential to amplify the impact of humanitarian and development programming through research: “URCS is committed to advancing a science-backed humanitarian response. Our collaboration with SRF will ensure that we leverage each other’s strengths, so communities benefit not only from service delivery but also from innovations rooted in evidence.” He added.

The MoU represents a shared commitment to research, innovation, equity, and sustainable development. Both organizations reaffirmed their dedication to fostering local research leadership, inclusive program design, and transformative community engagement.

Editor’s Note:

Soar Research Foundation (SRF) is a leading multidisciplinary research organization dedicated to advancing evidence-based solutions for development and humanitarian challenges in East Africa. SRF Research and Training Centres (SRF-RTCs) serve as hubs for research capacity building, innovation, and community engagement. The Uganda Red Cross Society (URCS) is a humanitarian organization committed to disaster response, health promotion, and community resilience across Uganda. This MoU marks a strategic partnership aimed at leveraging the strengths of both institutions to foster impactful research and evidence-driven humanitarian interventions.

 

About the Partners

Uganda Red Cross Society (URCS) is Uganda’s leading humanitarian organization, mandated to deliver emergency response, community resilience, health services, and disaster risk reduction across all regions. With an extensive branch network and youth volunteer base, URCS plays a pivotal role in national and local humanitarian efforts (https://redcrossug.org/)

SRF Research and Training Centres and Soar Research Foundation Limited are Ugandan research and development organizations that operate to deliver cutting-edge research, training programs, clinical trials, and innovation. SRF champions South-South collaboration, capacity building, and research for policy and systems change in Uganda and beyond (www.soarresearch.org).