UGANDA COMMUNITY IN GREATER MANCHESTER FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2024 R8glst8red Charlty No. 1173468 UGANDA COMMUNITY IN GREATER MANCHESTER FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2Q24 INDEX AGE NUMBER co EN TRUSTEES ANNW REPORT 12 EXAMINERS REPORT 13 STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES 14 &4LANCE SHEEr 15 STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS 16-21 NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS Uganda Communlty in Greater Manchester (UCOMM) Contents Introductlon . Trustees........... Objectives and activities................. The Great Tackle Project (TGT)..... ... ..... #lnspirelncluslon - A story from Internation Women'8 Day 2024 . Repatriation of Deceased...... Community Consultation and Emerging Challenges ...... Organisational Recommendations & Practical Solutions. Flnancial revlew........................... Plans for Future Periods................................................. Trustees, responsibllltles In relatlon to the flnanclal statements............,....,.... .10 Uganda Community in Greater Manchester {UCOMM) Introduction Uganda Community Greater Manchester {UCOMM) is dediGated to promotlng the welfare, culture, and Integration of Black African people. primarlly of Ugandan descent In Greater ManGhester. Governed by an executive commitlee of trustees recruited from wlthin the communlty and guided by OUT constitution, the CIO strives to dellver a wide range of cullural, educational, and support activitles. Throughout the year, trustees have ensured the charlty's activities are carried out for the public benefit, wlth full regard for the Charity Commission England and Wales's guldance on publlc benefit, in line wlth their duties under the Charities Act 2011 Report of the trustees for the year ended 31st December 2024 The trustees present thelr annual report and financial statements of the charlty for the year ended 31st December 2024. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting pollcies set out in note 1 to the accounts and comply with the charity's trust deed, the Charities Act 2011 and Accounting and Reporting by Charities., Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charitles preparing their accounts in accordance wlth the Financial Reporting Standard Appllcable In the UK and Republic of Ireland published (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019). Reference and admlnlstratlve Informatlon Charitable Incorporated Name: Uganda Community in Greater Manchester (UCOMM) Charity Number: 1173468 structure, governance and management UCOMM operates as an incorporated charity governed by its constitution dated 9th June 2017. Trustees are elected annually at the Annual General Meetlng from among the community, In accordance w5th its governing document. Additional members are co- opted where necessary to fill vacancies. New trustees receive induction coverlng their legal responsibilitles, organisational policies, and current priorities, supported by ongoing training arranged by the board. The truslee board meets regularly to set strategic direction and oversee the charity's affairs, delegating certain management tasks to committees and nominated officers. All major decislons are reviewed and approved by the full board, ensuring compliance with governance standards, The charity maintalns relationships with local partners, including funders and ethnic support agencies. and reviews its risk management processes regularly to safeguard resources and reputation. Uganda Comrnunity in Greater Manchester (UCOMM) Trustees Milton Nume Joel Kasagga Betty Mirembe Prlnclpal Ottlce Surcon House 11 a Copson Street Manchester M20 3HE Independent Examlners Hllton Jones Chartered Certified Accountants Hollinwood Business Centre Albert Street Oldham, Lancashire OL8 3QL Banker HSBC 2-4 st Ann's Square, Manchester, M2 7HD Uganda Community in Greater Manchester (UCOMM) Objectives and activities. UCOMM'S objects are: _ To relieve hardship and to preserve and protect good health and advance educatlon for the benefit of persons of Ugandan descent and benefactors of Black and minority ethnic origin; and To provide facilities for recreation in the interests of social welfare for those who have need of these facilities by reason of their social and economic circumstances, youth, age, infirmity, or disability with the object of improving their Gonditions of life To achleve the aims and objects, UCOMM'S board and volunteers are governed by powers that are set out in the constitution (2017). It is these powers that enabled the board to Organised cultural events and workshops to celebrate Black Afrlcan heritage and strengthen community ties. Ran support Sessions, practical advice, and referrals for Black African families settling in Manchester. Dellvered educational programs. including women's day sessions and workshops, that were run by facilitator8 and volunteers conversant In African languages, to encourage intergenerational partlcipation and Inclusivlty. Facllltated wellbeing semlnars and health outreach Initiatives in partnership with local agencles. Throughout the year, trustees have had full regard to the Charlty Commlsslon'8 guidance on public benefit, helping ensure our work delivers real beneflts to our beneficiaries and the wider local communily. Some of the key activities were: 1. The Great Tackle Project 2. Internatlonal Women's Day celebratlons 3. Repatriation of Deceased 4. Community consultation and emerging challenges The Great Tackle Project (TGT) The GT - project stands out as a pioneering initlative of the Uganda Community Greater Manchester (UCOMM), uniquely designed to bring Black African fathers and their sons together Ihrough weekly football sessions. Launched in 2013, It has run every week (except during the 2020 lockdown), frorn February through to December. when short daylight hours make outside play impractical. In the Summer months, some mothers also attend as supporters, and to run a women's keep -fit sesslon whilst waiting for thelr "boys., This added another innovation to UCOMM 's activities. TGT project has been a Uganda CommunSty in Greater Manchester (UCOMM) flagship example of UCOMM'S commitment to innovative social Integration and famlly wellbelng actlvities. Project Overview No similar programme exists anywhere in Manchester. The Great Tackle Prolect succeeds in breaking new ground by foslering genuine father-son connection, regardless of age, ability, or fitness level. The sessions create a welcomlng environment where familles enjoy qualily time together on the football field, strengthening famSly bonds, building confidence, and prornoling physical health. Football is intentionally incluslve: fathers and sons of all backgrounds join in, discover new friendships, and shara joyful experiences in a supportive atmosphere. At tirnes, the GT - team joins with other clubs and or groups Ihat play on the day, lo have frlendly °matches,° whlch Introduces olher racial groups to the group, which further wldens communlty integration and cohesion. Achievements Thls remarkable project has delivered unexpected benefits-improving mutual understanding belween generations. combating social isolation, and celebrating Black Afrlcan Idenllty wlthln the wider Manchester community, Conslstent participatlon throughoul the year demonstrates the positive impact: fathers reported greater engagement wlth their sons, while young people thrived under the encouragement and role modelling found on the pitch. By invesling in the Great Tackle ProSect, funders can support a truly exceptional and insplrlng programme one Ihat not only unites famllies, but also empowers fathers and sons to build lasting relationships and contribute to the vibrant diversity of ManGhester's communities. The summer tournament of 2024, brought together other Uganda Communltles from London, Brislol, Coventry, and Liverpool to partlcipate in a one-day sporting event. The event was attended by over 1000people (men, women, and children), and the Manchester team won bolh the Football and Netball trophies. But the real winners, were Ihe famllles that enjoyed the day. Why the Great Tackle Project Stands Out The project creates a special space for posilive male bonding, tackling generatlonal divldes and promoting mental and physical wellbelng for both fathers and sons. PartiGlpation levels have been consistently hlgh. with new relationships and renewed confidence showing its real impact. Sessions are incluslve: families of various backgrounds and abilities come together Sn friendship and fun, in a way that breaks barriers and builds communlty spirit. Uganda Community in Greater Manchester (UCOMM) Feedback from participants highlighls Increased engagement between fathers and sons, Improved social connections, and a sense of pride in Black African Gultural herltage. Fundlng The project was sponsored by Barclays SPORTED Inltiative, that heavily subsidised the pltch hire, and we would like to thank Mark Bingley, who works in the Sported programme for Reaching out to UCOMM and encouraglng us to apply for support. Supporting the Great Tackle Project means Investing in a proven, Innovative solution to generational and cultural isolation-one with the power to change lives and inspire wider social inclusion throughout Manchester. Backlng thls programme offers funderli the chance to make a real, lasting difference at the heart of Manchesterfs African community. Vvhilst we encourage all participants to give a donatlon toward the runnlng cost of this project, the pitch costs remaln a challenge, and we shall continue to appeal for sponsors and grants to run this project. #lnsplrelncluslon - A story from Internation Women's Day 2024 #lnspirelnclusion - A Story from International Women's Day 2024 In March 2024, a room in Manchester seemed to hum with possibillty and purpose. Forty-eight women of Black Afrlcan descent-each bringlng their own hopes, ambltions, and experiences-gathered for UCOMM'S celebration of International Women's Day. The Iheme, #lnsplrelnclusion, was not just a phrase on a poster. It was woven into each conversatlon, each handshake, each laugh that echoed through the space. Our volunteers welcomed attendees with warmth, setting the stage for a day of connection and inspiration. At Ihe h8art of the event were Black women leaders, sharing not only their achievements, but also the stories of Challenges overcome and dreams pursued. They offered practical wlsdom 'golden nuggets, for navlgating the obstacles that often line the path to leadership and success. As the afternoon progressed something remarkable unfolded: stories were swapped. barriers were lowered, and new connections began to form. Women who arrived as strangers diScove￿d shared experiences and pledged to support each other long after the event closed. By day's end, many left not just inspired, but empowered carrying new ideas, friendships, and the sense that inclusion is both a goal and an action. In their voices and journeys, the true spirit of #lnsplrelnclusion was made real: when women support one another, everyone rlses. UCOMM was extremely grateful to Manchester city council for Uganda Community in Greater Manchester (UCOMM) organislng this event, and to our long standing Intemation women's day leader, Mrs Betty Jjemba for always stepping dellvering and exceptional experience. Repatrlatlon of Deceased For many in Manchesterfs Black African communlty, the concept of home stretches across continents. Most of UCOMM'S primary beneficiaries are flrst-generation migrants, oflen arriving as refugees or asylum seekers, with little or no extended family nearby. In times of loss, the isolation runs deeper.. navigating the UK'S processes for laying a loved one to Test can be overwhelming, especially when the wish Is to return the departed to ancestral soil. In 2024, UCOMM was called upon after a community member passed away. Wlth quiet urgency, the community rallied members and non-members alike contributed what they could, drlven by a shared commitment to dignity and tradition. Behind the scenes, UCOMM'S dedicated volunteers shouldered a complex, often misunderstood adminlstrative burden. Repatriatlng remains to Uganda requires tenacity: the process involves intricate paperwork, international regulations, and sensltive logistics that few ever see or appreclate, Despite these challenges, UCOMM has built up the knowledge, contacts, and teamwork needed to demystify and manage the process. The collective effort meant that, instead of leavlng hls story unfinished In a foreign land, our departed brother was returned to Uganda. This not only gave his family and WKler community closure and the chance for a dlgnified farewell, but was also, at approximately £5.000, significantly more affordable than burial in the UK where costs can exceed £8,000. The lower-cost option of cremation remains culturally unacceptable for most, and so the work of repatrSatlon goes beyond logistlcs: it is an act of cultural solidarity, compassion, and respect. Through each repatrlallon supported, UCOMM stands as a bridge between continent$ a testament to what a caring, connected diaspora can achieve together. Community Consultatlon and Emerging Challenges In 2024, UCOMM'S board and volunteer team facilitated two major consultative sessions-one with registered donors and one with the wider Gommunity. Over 200 community members, spanning school age children to elders, partlcipated, providing valuable perspectives on UCOMM'S irnpact, needs lor improvement, and priorities for Uganda Community in Greater Manchester (UCOMM) future Involvement, notably around strengthening board capacity to better senie an evolving community. Key Inslghts Included: The UCOMM Community, establlshed nearly twenty years ago, now supports individuals born In the UK with growing intergenerational needs. Community cohesion 18 Increasingly essential, as newer generations face distinct challenges. Emerging issues were identified: deteriorating health outcomes, bereavement, youth delinquency, substance misuse, povety, homelessness, family breakdowns and the creeping prevalence of drugs and alcohol wlthin families. Older members expressed concerns about declining health, increasing poverty, and restrlcted mobility, Educational pathways-especially university access, retentlon, and safety-were noted as major challenges for young mlgrants, with drops In university attendance and rlslng youth involvement In crlme. Communication gaps persist between parents and children, often driven by language barriers and generational divides. The Impact of the pandemic and ongoing economic crlsls remalns dlsproportionately severe within Manchestels Black Afrlcan community, deepening vulnerability. The communlty also faces relationshlp breakdowns, domestic violence, alcohol abuse, and wider health concem8. Members proudly noted collective successes.. sustalned organisational continully, mutual support during hardshlp and celebration, educational atlainment, employment improvements, and greater security through settled immigration status. There was enthuslasm to share these successes to help other communities thrive, Organisational Recommendatlons & Practical Solutlons To address these complex community needs, UCOMM should implernent the following.. Capacity Bullding: Recrult new board members with diverse skills and experlence, Invest In training for volunteers in areas Such as mental health first aid, youth work, safeguarding, and bereavement support. Communlty Engagement: Develop dedicated forurns, parent-child workshops, youth mentorships, and social activities that build cohesion and foster mutual understanding across age groups. Partnershlp Development: Form strategic alliances with health servlces, local educational institutions, youth-focused charities, and culturally competent counselling services. Uganda Community in Greater Manchester (UCOMM) Securlng Funds: Target slatutory grants from Manchester City Council, National Lottery Community Fund, and specialist trusts. Initiate dlrect appeals to funding bodies supporting minority-led initiatives. Sustainablllty: Establish internal fundraising teams for hardship and emergency support funds, including a dedicated community funerallrepatriation asslstance program. Financial review The trustees have reviewed the accounts and consider Ihem to be satisfactory. Investment powers and pollcy The trustees, having regard to the liquidity requirements of operating the charity, have kept available funds in a current account. Reserves pollGy and golng concern The balance held in unrestricted reserves at 31sI December 2024 was £17,129 (2023: £17,555) all of which are free reserves. The trustees airn to maintain sufflclenl reseNes to meet day to day expenditure, The Charlty's maln source of income is donations and grants. The Trustees conslder that it 15 appropriate to prepare Ihe accounts on a going concern basis and, consequenlly, the accounts do not include any adjuslments that would be necessary If these sources of income should cease. Risk management The trustees have conducted a review of the major risks to whlch the charity Is exposed and systems have been established to miligate those risks. Plans for Future Periods. Proposed Two-to-Four Year Plan Year Priority Actlons Estimated Costs (per year, £) Potentlal Funding Sources Board fecruilment. volunteer Irainlng, youth mentorshlp Fylol Part-time Volunteerfs coordinator Board., 5,000 Training.. 3,000 Youlh: 3.000 Local council, Nallonal Lollery Parent-child workshop 8erie& health & wellbeing aclivllles Programmes.. 8.000 Communications: 2,000 Comlc Relief, hardshlp funds. partnership granls Funerallrep8lrtalion support setvice Repatriation s¢home'. Manchaster City Councll, io Uganda Community in Greater Manchester (UCOMM) Year Prlorlty Actions Estimated Costs (per year, £) Potential Funding Sources launch, hardshlp fund 7.000 Fund reser￿e. 3.000 diaspora-focused grants Foundatlons, Impact inveslmenl, rep881 $18tulory fund Full programme evaluallon, scale-up succe6sful initiatives Evaluation: Staff (PT).. 5,CQO 2.500 Implementatlon Advlce Continue the tradltlon of regular, Inclusive community consultations to inform and adapt priorities. Leverage success storles to inspire engagemenl and support from new members and funders, Ensure accessible communication-in Engllsh and local languages-to close generational gaps. With sustained investment In leadershlp, capacity, and innovative programmlng, UCOMM will be well-positloned to resolve existing challenges and nurture community advancement over the coming years. Trustees, responsibilities In relation to the financial ststements The charity trustees are responslble for preparlng a tru8tees' annual report and financial statements In accordance with applicable law and Unlted Kingdom Accountlng Standards (Unlted Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice). The law appllcable to charitles In England and Wales requires the charlty trustees to prepare financlal statements for each year which glve a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of Ihe incoming resources and appllcalion of resources, of the charity for that period. In preparlng the financial statements, the trustees are required to: Select suitable accounting principles and then apply them consistently; Observe the methods and principles in the applicable Charities SORP; Make judgments and estimates that a￿ reasonable and prudent; State whether appllcable accountlng standards have been followed, subject to 8ny material departures that must be disclosed and explained in the flnancial slatements; Prepare the financial statements on a going concern basis unles8 It is appropriate to presume that the charity will continue in business. 11 Uganda Communlty in Greater Manchester (UCOMM) The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that disdose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and to enable them to ensure that Ihe financlal stalements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the applicable Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations, and the provision of the Trust deed. They are also responslble for safeguarding the assets of the charity and taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularitles. Approved by the Irustees and slgned on th8lr behalf by.. Mllton Nume CHAIR ofTRUSTEES 0611012025 12 INDEPENDENT EXAMINERS REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF UGANDA COMMUNITY IN GREATER MANCHEsfER REGISTERED CHARITY NO. 1173468 I report on the accounts of thc charity. for thc Year Ended 31, Decembcr 2024 wliich are set out onpages 13 to21. Respective Re8ponsibilEties of Tru8tees and Examiner The charity's tnistees are r¢sponsible for the preparation of the accounts, The charity ti'ustecs ¢onsidei' that an audit is not required for this year under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent cxamination is needed. The charity is pieparing accrued account5 and l am qualiflcd to undcrtake the examination by being a qualificd memb¢i' of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales. It is tny responsibility to: Examine th¢ accounts und¢r section 145 of the 201 l Act; follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 201 l Act. and To state whether paiticular matters have comc to my attention. Basis of Independent Examiners Report My examination was carried out in accordance with the Gen¢ral DireGtions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting ie¢ottls kept by the charity and a comparison of thc accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items oi. disclosures in (he accounts, and seeking explanations from you 88 trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would b¢ required in an audit, and consequently no opinion is given as to whethei. the accounts present a "true and fair view" and the repoit is limited to those matters set out below. Independent Exgminer's Statement In connection with my exainination, no matter has come to my attention . (l) whicli gives me reasonable ¢ause to believe that in any material respecl the requireinents: to keep accounting records have in accordance with section 130 of the 2011 Act; and to piepare accounts which accoi'd wilh the accounting records and to coinply with tlie accounting requirements of the 2011 Act, have not been met. or (2) to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to ¢nable a proper underslai)ding of the accounts to be reached, Signed: Jaincs Hilton-Jones FCCA Dale., 6 October 2025 Hilton Jones Chartered Ccrtified Accountants Hollinwood Business Centre, Albert Street Oldham. Lancashii'c OL8 3QL Uganda Comunity In Gr4*•r Ma￿h¢StOr 13 STA FIIIANCIAL ACTIWTIES FOR THE YEAR 31ST DECEMBER 2024 DE (Inthjl￿ InC￿e And expendiluré aco)t**) Total Futtd# Total Fund• Year Ended R•8trl¢l•d 3109¢gmbor Year Endod 31 Fund$ 2024 DvMmb&r 2023 Unr•8trlGted Further 04eAII8 Income from., Lbnalions and legaclos Chaillable adlv11*5 Total 370 1.191 fj,118 13.425 {41 B21 Exp•ndltUM on: Charllable B¢llvllles Total (51 14,149 14.149 N•1 Incomellexp•ndltur•l TrHns16r behv88n lunds 13781 150) (8,082) 50 18.4881 8.196 Not Movom•n¢ In lund8 1426) IB,Q321 18,4681 6.198 Rg¢onclllatlon ol lund8 Tol41 funds brouphl foThvoid 17.505 38.181 31,985 Tolal fund• ¢arrl•d fop•Mid 12.594 38.181 The 41aiemMI of llnonclal acilvllle8 kndudes all gahs and h)8se8 In the yèar. All k)cornln9 reiourco8 aThJ Jour¢es exp8ndad deifve fIr￿ The notas on ￿08$ 1610 21 ltsmi part of Iheje accowts. Uganda Gommunlty In GMae4f Manchosier 14 CES EE ASATJIS 2024 2023 Flxed as5etS'. Tanglble a¥88t5 Tolal ftmln8 R•8our¢o• Balan¢9 •131•t O•o•mb81 2023 Reulrfcied Fthwl8 Exp•nd•d TraMl•r• Blg Lollery Covhj Sport Ensl8nd ￿11$ Glrf Can) Foravar M8n¢hosler Manth•ster Clty co￿¢11 WD Aword8 for All Natk)nal Lollery Fund- Digghg Dl9ttaSly Sported Foundallon IBa(daysl Manchester 8ME Ng1 Aulolrader Communlty Fund GioMI Tackl8 Dona￿￿ Repylrfallon 1.857 8,4e6 132 274 1.947 110671 13971 1130) [174) 8,108 600 1,947 10.000 600 300 1.CrfJO 235 IqrJ)o (Jooi (3001 {5001 11681 .255 6LWJ 12.675 Total Name of roilrlGt•d fund- Sport England Gtrl Can) Awards lor All Sported FoundaNon IBardayg) Gfoal Tacklu D¢)nallon8 D•8¢￿ptIDn. natur? and PUfPQ•O ol th• fund - lo wunens aclithitès - lthyarils The SaLL4age PfoI8Gt - Imrds undpirnpros8nted young people fooiball prDgr8mme - loV￿r￿S thlldren fw and Y￿￿be1￿ ev?nt Ugand• C￿￿m￿nIty kn Grnaler MaAche¥t8r Not•• lo the •ccounts lor tho yoar 31 D•comb¢r 2024 21 12. An#ly8ls of not aaaet8 betw8on fund• Unr•8trlel•d l1o¥trlct•d fund8 funds 2Q24 Tolal Tanglble flxed 858*t¥ Ca8h 81 bgnk and In hand Oiher nel current 08sel￿{l1ObHl1[86) Total 17.637 508 17.129 12.594 30.231 12.594 29.723 PrlorY•ar UnrnJtrl¢t•d R•6lrl¢t•d fund¥ furKIJ 2023 Tolal TJn9lble Ilxed oss81s Cash al bank and In h8nd Olher nel curyenl a8881sllHabllillesl Total 18,454 899 20.624 39,078 13. Post balancE she•t events The trusl8es conslder Ihal thore wBr• rto ppil bal81￿9 thgel e¥¢nts to d1￿1019 14. FIna￿l￿1 kn5tium•nts The charlty only has financlal assets and Ilabllltles of a *lnd thai quallfyas bask flfjancial Instrumenl5. Ba51c flnanclal Instiuments are Initlally reta8nlsed on • transaction v¥lue and subsequently rneasufEd It thelr Settlement value with the eyceptlon of bank loan5 are measured at in amortlsed ￿51 usln6 ihe effectfve Interest meihod.