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 for Children-2023
473,383
Children in Education
122,457
Children in Child Protection & Child Rights Governance
225,756
Children in Health & Nutrition
9,541
Children in Food Safety & Livelihoods
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
Two neglected tropical diseases that cause blindness among children at risk of resurgence due to aid cuts – Save the Children
A rare tropical disease that is the leading infectious cause of blindness worldwide was halved in one of the world’s worst-affected communities due to foreign aid but is now at risk of resurgence following aid cuts, as is another tropical eye disease, Save the Children said.
13 Mar 2025
TRANSFORMING LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS FOR CHILDREN
In Amuru District, learners at Agole Primary School started the new school year in a safe learning environment with the support of Transforming the Future with and For Children program funded by The Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (NORAD).
13 Mar 2025
OVER 1,700 GOATS DISTRIBUTED TO EMPOWER WOMEN AND COMBAT MALNUTRITION
In an effort to promote food security and combat child malnutrition, Save the Children distributed a total of 1,729 goats to vulnerable women across nine parishes in Rupa, Lotisan, and Tapac sub-counties in Moroto District. This initiative is part of Phase Two of the Karamoja Goats Project, supported by Save the Children Korea.
