The Social Policy Research Institute (SPRI Global) is currently supporting UNICEF Uganda to assess the performance of targeting approaches of existing social assistance programs. The study aims to provide evidence for policy makers and practitioners to enhance the targeting effectiveness of social assistance programs in achieving social cohesion for optimal impact of interventions.

The research aims to achieve the following objectives:

1. Map out targeting approaches of social assistance programs in Uganda;

2. Evaluate the implications of each targeting approach across the lifecycle for social cohesion in Uganda; and

3. Share key learnings from each approach and develop recommendations to enhance effectiveness and social cohesion.

The study will apply a mixed-methods approach to address the objectives of the study including literature review of policy and legal documents, and existing studies on the topic; quantitative analysis of secondary data to assess the targeting performance of the programs; and qualitative research. Fieldwork data collection in select localities in Uganda will include key informant interviews and focus group discussions with beneficiaries of social assistance programs, vulnerable communities not receiving the benefits, and institutions – governmental, non-governmental, and development partners – responsible for financing, administering, and overseeing implementation of the programs.