Our Strategic Direction (2025–2029)
ULIA has developed a comprehensive Framework for Strategic Action to guide our efforts over the next five years. This framework was developed through a participatory and inclusive process that engaged a wide range of stakeholders, including academic librarians, community and public library professionals, registries, records and archives specialists, library and information science teachers and students, and other key partners. The framework reflects the collective vision and aspirations of the library and information sector in Uganda.
Our strategic framework focuses on six interconnected goals that together form a coherent vision for advancing the profession:
Goal 1: Strengthening Advocacy and Policy Influence
We believe that libraries and information institutions must be recognized as essential contributors to national development. Our advocacy efforts aim to secure the policy recognition and funding necessary for information institutions to fulfill their potential as engines of education, innovation, and community development.
Key Focus Areas:
- Engaging policymakers at national and local levels to integrate library development into policy frameworks
- Building strategic partnerships with government agencies and development partners
- Raising awareness about the contribution of information institutions to national development goals
- Advocating for legal and policy reforms that professionalize library and information services
What This Means for Members: We provide advocacy tools and platforms that amplify your voice. Our work ensures that the profession is represented in policy discussions that affect your work. We invite members to join our advocacy committees and contribute to position papers that shape national discourse on information services.
Goal 2: Enhancing Professional Development and Capacity Building
A highly skilled and motivated workforce is the foundation of excellent library and information services. Our professional development initiatives are designed to equip members with the competencies needed to meet evolving community needs and technological advancements.
Key Focus Areas:
- Continuous professional development through workshops, seminars, and training programs
- An online learning platform offering accessible training resources
- Mentorship programs pairing experienced professionals with early-career practitioners
- Support for library and information science students through mentorship and internship opportunities
What This Means for Members: You gain access to high-quality training opportunities that enhance your skills and career prospects. Our mentorship programs connect you with seasoned professionals who can guide your professional growth. We also offer opportunities to contribute as trainers and mentors, sharing your expertise with the next generation.
Goal 3: Promoting Access to Information and Knowledge
Equitable access to information is a fundamental right and a prerequisite for informed citizenship, education, and development. Our work in this area focuses on expanding access to information resources, particularly for underserved communities.
Key Focus Areas:
- Expanding digital resources and technologies in underserved communities
- Community outreach programs promoting literacy and lifelong learning
- Partnerships to provide open access to scholarly and educational resources
- Advocacy for policies that support equitable information access
What This Means for Members: We provide platforms and partnerships that expand the resources available to your institutions. Our advocacy work creates an enabling environment for information access. Members are invited to participate in our community outreach initiatives, bringing information services directly to those who need them most.
Goal 4: Fostering Collaboration and Partnerships
Strong partnerships amplify our collective impact. We actively cultivate relationships with regional and international library associations, educational institutions, government agencies, and private sector organizations to advance our shared goals.
Key Focus Areas:
- Strengthening ties with regional and international library associations such as AfLIA and IFLA
- Collaborating with educational institutions to improve library services
- Engaging with private sector stakeholders to support library initiatives
- Building strategic partnerships with government ministries and agencies
What This Means for Members: Through our partnerships, you gain access to a broader network of professionals, resources, and opportunities. We facilitate connections that enable knowledge exchange and collaborative projects. Members are encouraged to leverage these networks for their professional growth and institutional development.
Goal 5: Advancing Innovation and Technology Integration
Libraries and information institutions must embrace innovation to remain relevant and effective in the digital age. Our work in this area focuses on supporting the adoption of digital tools, promoting digitization of archival and historical records, and bridging the digital divide.
Key Focus Areas:
- Promoting adoption of digital tools and platforms in library and information services
- Supporting digitization of archival and historical records
- Developing initiatives to bridge the digital divide in rural and urban areas
- Training information professionals in emerging technologies
What This Means for Members: We provide training and resources that enable you to integrate technology into your work effectively. Our digitization initiatives create opportunities for collaboration on preserving Uganda's documentary heritage. Members interested in technology leadership are invited to contribute to our innovation working groups.
Goal 6: Ensuring Organizational Sustainability
A sustainable and resilient ULIA is essential for effectively supporting the library and information sector. Our work in this area focuses on strengthening governance structures, diversifying funding sources, and establishing robust monitoring and evaluation systems.
Key Focus Areas:
- Strengthening ULIA's governance and operational structures
- Diversifying funding sources to ensure financial sustainability
- Developing a comprehensive monitoring and evaluation framework
- Building the capacity of ULIA leadership and staff
What This Means for Members: A strong ULIA means reliable support, advocacy, and professional development opportunities for you. Your membership directly contributes to building a sustainable association that will serve the profession for generations to come. We invite members to participate in governance through active engagement with our structures and committees.