INTRODUCTION
The Uganda Community Libraries Association (UgCLA) is a networking organization for community libraries in Uganda. It was registered as a national NGO in 2007 and since then has been joined by well over 100 member libraries, more than 20 of which were founded as a result of UgCLA’s existence and encouragement. Other libraries that were established before joining UgCLA have had their capacity increased as a result of their membership of the organization. UgCLA holds conferences and workshops for librarians, solicits and administers grants from donors, and places volunteers in libraries according to the volunteers’ interests and the libraries’ needs.
MISSION
UgCLA’s mission is to complement the education system of Uganda and promote the development of productive literacy practices by encouraging and supporting the growth of community libraries. It aims to establish and maintain a network of such libraries throughout the country and cooperates for this purpose with other national organizations with similar interests, as well as with international organizations that are concerned with the promotion of literacy for development.
GOVERNANCE
The Association has a Board of Trustees, which is elected every three years at the Annual General Meeting. The present Board members, elected in July 2017, are:
| Name | Position in UgCLA | Professional position(s) |
|---|---|---|
| Justin Kiyimba | Chairperson | Director, Nambi Sseppuuya Memorial Resource Centre, former Head Librarian, Kyambogo University |
| Enoch Magala | Deputy Chairperson | Director, CFYDDI (Campaign For Youth-DrivenDevelopment Initiatives) |
| Esther Kyazike | Treasurer | Director, Kawempe Youth Centre |
| Dan Ahimbisibwe | Secretary | Head Librarian, Kitengesa Community Library; Director, Tekera Resource Centre |
| Jane Kawalya | Member | Lecturer, East African School of Library and Information Science |
| Ivan Kaibu | Member | Librarian, Busolwe Public Library |
| Olivia Mutabirwe | Member | Director, Peerlink Initiative, Nyarushanje Community Library |
| Kate Parry | Past Chairperson Adviser | Professor, Hunter College, City University of New York; Director for East Africa, Friends of African Village Libraries (FAVL); Director, Kitengesa Community Library |
UgCLA BOARD OF TRUSTEES
UgCLA employs a coordinator, Mr. Emmanuel Anguyo, who works full time and serves UgCLA’s member libraries, administers projects, and takes care of records and publicity. He serves on the Board as a non-voting member.
UgCLA’s Board develops general policies and makes recommendations on constitutional issues to the Annual General Meeting. The issues are then decided by vote. A Steering Committee comprising the Chair, the Treasurer, and the coordinator makes day to day operating decisions.