This research report is borne out of CDRN and CARE’s endeavour to strengthen their support to civil society organizations in Uganda. The project takes as its starting point, the widely held belief that the needs and interests of poorer people are directly or indirectly represented through community based organizations (CBOs). This study was designed as applied research, using an iterative approach and involving local partner organizations, with the specific intention that the findings would inform the learning and practice of the implementing partners: CARE, CDRN, KADIFA, UBDOU, and KUWA.