Save the Children in Uganda
Save the Children Uganda has been at the forefront of championing children’s rights and well-being since 1959. We work tirelessly to ensure that every child—especially the most vulnerable children have access to quality education, healthcare, protection, and a safe environment to thrive.
Through innovative programs, strategic partnerships, and evidence-based advocacy, we drive lasting change in communities across Uganda. Our focus spans education, child protection, health and nutrition, child rights governance, and humanitarian response, reaching millions of children and families. Together, we are building a brighter future where every child survives, learns, and is protected.
The situation for children in Uganda
According to the Uganda Demographic and Health Survey (UDHS) 2022, Uganda's population has reached approximately 45.9 million, with children aged 0-17 years constituting half of this number. Despite improvements, many children continue to face significant challenges. The under-five mortality rate stands at 52 deaths per 1,000 live births, and 26% of children under five suffer from stunting due to malnutrition. Access to quality education remains a concern, with only 41% of children completing primary school. These issues are more pronounced in rural areas, where resources are limited.
According to the 2019 UNICEF Situation Analysis Report on Children in Uganda, 56% of Uganda's children suffer from multiple deprivations. [Situation Analysis of Children in Uganda 2019 | UNICEF Uganda]
Children in Uganda are also vulnerable to violence, exploitation, and abuse. Harmful practices such as child labor and child marriage persist, with 34% of women aged 20-24 having married before the age of 18. The ongoing refugee crisis has further strained resources, leaving many children in need of urgent humanitarian assistance.
Save the Children is responding to these challenges by delivering life-saving health and nutrition programs, expanding access to quality education, and strengthening child protection systems. We work alongside communities and partners to ensure that the most vulnerable children are safe, learning, and thriving.
Sam Vox / Save the Children
Our Impact in 2024
435,149
People in Education
538,026
People in Child Protection & Child Rights Governance
181,149
People in Health & Nutrition
78,417
People in Child Poverty
Only 20% of primary school pupils in Uganda have acceptable levels of literacy, and only 30% have acceptable levels of numeracy. Save the Children supports non-formal schools in rural parts of Uganda. The NORAD-funded programme has constructed new classrooms and teachers' accommodation; trained teachers on new participatory learning approaches, such as 'Literacy Boost' and 'Numeracy Boost'; and helped get parents and communities engaged in learning and supporting the school. More than 11,000 children have benefited from the NORAD programme, and literacy levels among the children have increased by 47 percent. Andrew Pacutho / Save the Children
OUR CONTACTS
COUNTRY OFFICE ADDRESS
Bugolobi, Plot 15, Luthuli House, 1st floor
P.O. Box 12018, Kampala – Uganda
EMAIL
uganda@savethechildren.org
TELEPHONE
+256 (0)393 260063 / +256 (0) 392 264520
News & Stories
7 Jul 2025
Public Alert: Fraudulent Misuse of Save the Children’s Brand in Bushenyi District
We have been alerted that individuals are falsely claiming to represent Save the Children in Bushenyi, where they are allegedly registering school pupils for bursaries and soliciting UGX 200,000 per child.
30 Jun 2025
The Child Protection System Strengthening Project is Enhancing Protection for Vulnerable Children in Arua City & District
The growing child protection crisis in Arua District and City prompted urgent action from Save the Children Uganda. Reports indicate that more than 700 child abuse cases are registered every three months, ranging from defilement and neglect to physical abuse-often fueled by poverty, alcoholism, and harmful cultural practices.
26 Jun 2025
Humanitarian Xchange Kampala: Advancing Locally Led Response in East Africa
The Humanitarian Leadership Academy (HLA) and Save the Children in Uganda hosted the Humanitarian Xchange (HX) in Kampala under the theme, “Locally Led Response in East Africa – Adaptation and Resilience.” HX serves as a platform to bridge the gap between international humanitarian actors and local responders, ensuring that crisis-affected communities have a direct voice in shaping humanitarian action.