Uganda

Save the Children is the world's leading independent organization for children.

OUR VISION is a world in which every child attains the right to survival, protection, development and participation.

OUR MISSION is to inspire breakthroughs in the way the world treats children, and to achieve immediate and lasting change in their lives.

Save the Children is focusing on inspiring three specific breakthroughs for children by 2030:

Survive: No child dies from preventable causes before their fifth birthday.
Learn: All children learn from a quality basic education.
Be protected: Violence against children is no longer tolerated.

In order to inspire these breakthroughs, we will focus on reaching the most deprived and marginalized children. We will do whatever it takes to ensure we leave no child behind. This will be the measure of our success.

With over 60 years of operation in the country, Save the Children in Uganda has established itself as a leading advocate for children’s rights. Its interventions span key areas including education, health and nutrition, child protection, child rights governance, and reduction of child poverty. By focusing on evidence-based approaches, Save the Children addresses the unique challenges children face, such as limited access to quality education, malnutrition, violence, and the impacts of displacement. The organization also champions inclusive education and protection for vulnerable groups, including children with disabilities and refugee populations, ensuring no child is left behind.

Through partnerships with government bodies, civil society, and communities, Save the Children amplifies the voices of children and advocates for policies that safeguard their rights. From championing inclusive education and combating malnutrition to responding to emergencies and advocating for child-focused policies, we put children at the heart of everything we do. Through innovative approaches and meaningful partnerships, Save the Children in Uganda is committed to building a brighter future where no child is left behind. Together, we are creating a Uganda where every child can grow up healthy, safe, and equipped for success.

Education: One in five children do not complete primary school. Despite efforts to improve foundational learning, children face significant barriers such as overcrowded classrooms, under-resourced schools, and limited access to quality education, particularly in rural areas. Many children lack access to quality foundational learning, inclusive education, and Accelerated Education Programs, especially in emergencies.

Child Protection: 75% of children experience violence. An alarming 75% of children experience some form of violence. At least 10% of girls are married before the age of 15, and one in four girls experienced sexual violence in the past year. Exploitation, limited legal safeguards persist and child protection systems are still under-resourced, leaving many vulnerable children without the support they need.

Health and Nutrition: More than a quarter of children under five suffer chronic malnutrition. Over a quarter of children under five suffer from chronic malnutrition, impacting their physical and cognitive development. Access to essential health services remains inadequate, with many health facilities overwhelmed and underfunded.

Child Rights and Child Rights Governance: Essential services such as schools and health facilities are overcrowded and under-resourced. Laws and policies have been passed that could make a positive difference to children's lives, but are seldom resourced or enforced. Rural youth struggle to find decent work.

Child Poverty: At least 10% of girls are married before they are 15, and a quarter experienced sexual violence in the past year.

Addressing the challenges faced by children in Uganda requires a holistic, multi-sectoral approach that prioritizes their rights and well-being. Strengthening education systems, enhancing child protection frameworks, improving access to health and nutrition, and amplifying children’s voices in governance are critical to breaking the cycle of vulnerability. Additionally, targeted support for refugee and marginalized children in both emergency, development and nexus contexts coupled with climate resilience strategies, can ensure no child is left behind. By fostering collaboration among stakeholders, investing in evidence-based interventions, and empowering communities, we can collectively contribute to creating a safer, healthier, and more inclusive environment for children in Uganda to thrive.