Who we are
Infrastructure is never only concrete
The Network for Infrastructure Social Scientists Uganda is a non-profit professional association for social scientists who work in, or share an interest in, the planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of infrastructure development projects.
Roads, power, water, health facilities, broadband and climate infrastructure all reach into people’s lives, livelihoods, communities and institutions. NISSU exists so that the social dimensions of that work are understood, represented, and done well — at every stage of the project life cycle.
Operational since
28 September 2021
Status
Non-profit professional association
Domains covered
Physical, digital, social service and environmental infrastructure
Membership
Six categories, from Ordinary Member to Honorary Fellow
Our motto
Connect. Share. Impact. — grains of sand, when gathered together, can form a tower.
Connect
We connect social scientists, professionals and stakeholders, creating opportunities for networking, collaboration and professional growth.
Share
We create platforms for sharing knowledge, experience, evidence and ideas, so members learn from one another and build collective capacity.
Impact
We turn knowledge and professional capacity into action — strengthening members while contributing to sustainable infrastructure.
WHY NISSU EXISTS
NISSU was established in response to the growing importance of social science in infrastructure development, and the need for a professional platform through which social scientists can strengthen their knowledge, skills and professional practice.
Infrastructure is not only about physical structures. Roads, power, water, health facilities, broadband and climate infrastructure all interact directly with people, communities, institutions and livelihoods. Strengthening the professional capacity of social scientists is how infrastructure development becomes socially responsive, inclusive, responsible and sustainable.
Where our members work
Four domains, one professional home
NISSU members work across every kind of infrastructure that touches people, communities and livelihoods.
Physical
- Roads and highways
- Railways, ports and harbours
- Airports and aviation
- Energy and power
- Oil, gas and mining
- Manufacturing and processing
Digital
- Broadband and telecommunications
- Data systems
- Digital public infrastructure
Social service
- Water and sanitation
- Health facilities
- Education facilities
- Public and community services
- Social investment initiatives
Environmental
- Pollution prevention
- Climate mitigation and adaptation
- Ecosystem conservation
- Flood protection and resilience
- Waste and circular economy