Domestic Certification and Verification of Social Enterprises in Uganda
Social Enterprises represent a powerful force for inclusive economic growth and community transformation. It is imperative that we collectively address these gaps to create a more credible, reliable, flourishing sector and unlock new opportunities. FUSE is working closely with key partners to develop and launch a credible national certification and verification system for social enterprises in Uganda.
The goal is to protect the integrity of the sector, verify impact and prevent social washing: It acts as independent validation that your business genuinely puts people and the planet first, distinguishing you from standard commercial businesses , thereby building trust among customers, investors, government, and the public. To ensure the certification framework is practical, inclusive, and truly responsive to the needs of social enterprises, FUSE is prioritizing broad stakeholder participation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about the Social Enterprise Survey and what to expect.
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In Uganda there is no single incorporation for social enterprise. In alignment with international organisations, FUSE defines social enterprises as businesses formed as a result of identifying either a social or environmental challenge in their communities. Social enterprises promote social innovation, financial sustainability, create social impact, and put people and the planet first. They sell goods or services, embed a social, cultural or environmental purpose into the business, and reinvest the majority (51%+) of profits or surplus into their purpose.
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This survey is for social enterprises, and the entire ecosystem — including public bodies, impact investors, academia, researchers, and cooperatives — across Uganda.
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The survey takes approximately 10 minutes to complete.
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Yes. Survey responses will only be used in the development of domestic verification and certification of social enterprises. Individual responses are confidential and will not be publicly identified without prior consent. Where findings are presented for specific groups or regions, results will only be reported where anonymity can be maintained. FUSE is committed to ethical, inclusive, and responsible data practices.
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You'll be asked about:
- Your role in the social enterprise sector
- Industry
- Certification and verification views
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Certification is a stringent, auditable compliance process against specific standards, while verification is a flexible, evidence-based confirmation of a business's core purpose.
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By completing the survey, you are contributing to a shared national effort to strengthen the social enterprise sector's visibility, access to resources and opportunities, and long-term sustainability. Your feedback will ensure the certification/verification system is:
- Relevant to the Ugandan context
- Affordable and accessible (especially for rural and early-stage enterprises)
- Beneficial for accessing funding, markets, and government opportunities
- Effective in protecting the sector's reputation
- Able to verify impact and prevent social washing
- A driver of sector advocacy
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Survey data will be used to:
- Support evidence-based verification and certification development
- Support capacity building, investment, and ecosystem development
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Summary findings will be shared with partners, stakeholders, and the public. Individual responses will not be shared without prior consent.
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The survey is designed to be accessible. If you require an alternative or accessible format, please contact us and we'll do our best to accommodate your needs.
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The survey closes on 17 July.
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The results will be shared on 13 July 2026.
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If you have questions, accessibility needs, or media inquiries, please contact bbritah@socialenterprise.ug.
Ready to make an impact?
Take the survey today — it only takes 10 minutes and helps shape Uganda's social enterprise future.