UNICEF, Uganda unveil new five-year programme to improve children’s welfare

The Government of Uganda and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) have launched a new five-year country programme aimed at improving the wellbeing of children and addressing challenges affecting millions of young people across the country.

The UNICEF Uganda Country Programme for 2026–2030 was unveiled to the media on Tuesday as part of efforts to strengthen the implementation of the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child.

The programme was developed in collaboration with the Government of Uganda, civil society organisations, development partners, the United Nations, children, and young people.

Additionally, it is aligned with Uganda’s National Development Plan IV and the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework for Uganda.

Speaking during the launch, UNICEF Uganda Country Representative Dr Robin Nandy said the programme will focus on four major priorities aimed at improving children’s lives and reducing inequalities.

“These priorities include investing in human capital development and inclusive social services, promoting positive behaviours among caregivers and communities, strengthening policies and financing to reduce poverty, and increasing children’s participation in decisions that affect them,” Dr Nandy said.

Uganda has one of the youngest populations globally, with more than half of its population below the age of 19.

Despite this, many children continue to face challenges such as poverty, malnutrition, limited access to quality education, and violence.

UNICEF says the new programme will guide its partnership with the Government of Uganda and other stakeholders in addressing these challenges over the next five years.

The agency will focus on improving access to quality education, healthcare, nutrition services, climate-resilient water and sanitation, and child protection services.

UNICEF also pledged to continue supporting efforts aimed at protecting children from violence, abuse, exploitation, and poverty while ensuring that every child has an opportunity to survive, thrive, and achieve their full potential.

The launch comes at a time when Uganda continues to face growing concerns over child poverty, school dropouts, teenage pregnancies, and inadequate social services, especially in vulnerable communities.