When UgCLA was launched in 2007 it had only 14 member libraries. Over the following five years it experienced astonishing growth, with 92 members by 2011.In 2019 it has a total of 144 members registered altogether and it continues to be joined by new members.UgCLA’s registered members are not all, or not always, active, but at present about fifty of them are, which means that UgCLA knows them to be libraries or information centres that are serving local Ugandan communities, mostly in rural areas. They are independent institutions, and their participation in UgCLA’s activities is entirely voluntary. They are responsible to UgCLA only for such funding as comes to them through UgCLA’s agency.

The libraries vary greatly in resources and capacity. Some enjoy regular support that has enabled them to build up substantial collections of several thousand books and to develop a variety of programmes. Others can offer their users few books and may have to conduct library activities under a tree. The majority have a few hundred books and a modest room or building where people can meet and read. Many have close ties to one or more neighbouring schools, and a considerable number have adult literacy programmes. As from 2014, thirteen of them have internet access, four as a result of a project funded by EIFL (Electronic Information For Libraries) and organized by UgCLA in 2014. Several member libraries are extensions of local NGOs that work towards development more generally. Even those that are not part of a development NGO may run craft groups, demonstration gardens, and public health activities, for as community libraries they believe they should support the whole community and not just its literate members.

Most of UgCLA’s member libraries were founded through local Ugandan initiatives and have deep roots in their communities. Some have enjoyed foreign support as well, the chief benefit of which is that they can afford a salary for a librarian. Those that have no such support must depend on voluntary labour and donations, or else on income generating activities such as charging telephones,which are generally dependent on their having electricity.

The libraries are considered institutional members, but UgCLA has individual members as well, who have joined because they appreciate the importance of the work the association is doing. Some of these individuals then go on to found libraries themselves.