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 reached with Education Support
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
Super El Niño threatens to push 8 million children into acute hunger across East and Southern Africa by early 2027 – Save the Children
About 8 million children across East and Southern Africa could face acute hunger by early 2027, a rise of 30%, as one of the strongest El Nino weather events in recent years fuels a growing food crisis, according to new analysis by Save the Children.
10 Sep 2026
Child malnutrition rises sharply in Uganda as El Nino-linked dry spells take their toll
The number of acutely malnourished children in the Karamoja region of northeastern Uganda is expected to rise by 25% by October 2026 with El Niño-related dry spells significantly impacting children’s health.
22 May 2026
European Union Provides Additional €3 Million to Strengthen Education Access for Refugee and Host Community Children in Uganda
PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
European Union Provides Additional €3 Million to Strengthen Education Access for Refugee and Host Community Children in Uganda
Kampala, Uganda – May 22nd, 2026
As Europe Day 2026 was celebrated on Saturday, 9 May 2026, and as the European Union marks 50 years of partnership with Uganda since the establishment of the EU Delegation in Kampala in 1976, the European Union, through its humanitarian funding, has provided an additional €3 million to the Building Resilient Inclusive Systems for Locally Led Education and Protection (RISE) Project in Uganda. This additional funding, allocated through the Humanitarian Implementation Plan (HIP) 2026, builds on the EU’s initial €5 million contribution in 2025 and further strengthens efforts to ensure that refugee and Ugandan children affected by displacement can access safe, inclusive, and quality education. The additional funding is accompanied by a project time extension from February 2027 to April 2027, enabling partners to consolidate gains and sustain impact.