SpaceUG is Uganda’s first dedicated digital civic platform designed to protect and expand civic space, foster collaboration among civil society actors, and promote digital resilience for human rights defenders, grassroots movements, youth networks, and community-based organizations.

Developed under the support by the CIVICUS Crisis Response Fund under the scope of the Flexible Support Mechanism, a six-year programme led by civil society organisations (CSOs). The programme is hosted by Oxfam Novib, together with implementing partners: Protection International, CIVICUS and Urgent Action Fund Latin America and the Caribbean. SpaceUG was born out of the urgent need to counter the shrinking civic environment in Uganda. It serves as a secure, inclusive, and interactive space where civic actors can organize, connect, mobilize, and advocate freely and safely.

Our Mission

To provide a secure, collaborative, and inclusive digital platform that strengthens civic engagement, protects civic actors, and enables coordinated responses to civic space violations in Uganda.

Our Vision

A Uganda where civic space is protected, accessible, and vibrant powered by connected communities, informed citizens, and fearless human rights defenders.

What We Do

SpaceUG is a multi-functional platform designed to meet the evolving needs of civil society in a challenging political and digital landscape. Through a user-friendly, social-media-like interface, we provide tools for:

1. Civic Space Monitoring & Alerts

Users can securely report threats such as arrests, office raids, surveillance, and digital attacks. Verified reports are used to inform legal support, response actions, and policy advocacy.

2. Community Building

SpaceUG allows users to create profiles, join or start groups based on shared advocacy interests, and participate in discussions around civic issues affecting their regions or constituencies.

3. Advocacy & Storytelling

Through blogs, campaigns, and interactive discussions, users can share stories, policy ideas, and grassroots victories. The platform is designed to amplify marginalized voices, including rural, youth-led, women-led, and other marginalised groups.

4. Knowledge Sharing

Our resource hub offers downloadable toolkits, legal templates, digital security guides, and civic education materials, all curated for the Ugandan civic context.

5. Opportunities & Events

SpaceUG hosts a live board of funding calls, fellowships, training workshops, and civic events relevant to the civil society sector.

Our Core Values

• Freedom: Upholding the right to organize, speak, and assemble.

• Inclusion: Creating a space where everyone regardless of identity, location, or beliefcan participate fully.

• Security: Ensuring users’ safety through strong data protection and digital protocols.

• Solidarity: Promoting cooperation and collective action across organizations and sectors.

• Innovation: Harnessing technology to address complex civic challenges and strengthen grassroots responses.

Who We Serve

• Civil Society Organizations (CSOs)

• Human Rights Defenders (HRDs)

• Grassroots Movements

• Youth Activists and Networks

• Community Organizers

• Feminists

• Legal Advocates and Civic Educators

• Journalists and Media Practitioners

Our Launch

The SpaceUG platform will officially launch on 23rd July 2025, with early access and testing provided to selected civil society partners. Our community is growing join us to be part of a civic movement that transcends borders and barriers.

Get Involved

• 🔗 Visit: www.spaceug.org

• 📝 Create your profile

• 🛡️ Report a violation

• 📢 Start a group

• 📩 Contact us: space@spaceug.org or space@ruralsmiles.org 

SpaceUG is not just a platform. It is a movement, a tool, and a safe space built by and for Uganda’s civic defenders.

Together, we protect civic space.
Together, we rise.