ActionAid has been operating in Uganda since 1982 and now works with over 200 partners on a number of poverty reduction initiatives. We currently support over 260,000 families. Uganda has endured prolonged droughts in recent years, leaving many people in desperate need of food aid. A key area of our work is supporting women’s rights, particularly in relation to land. Other key areas of action include governance, HIV and AIDS and human security.
Child sponsorship in Uganda
David Chekwoti and his best friend Esben Shaka (pictured right, holding their school pictures) attend classes under trees and, when it rains, they often need to end school early. Internally displaced families are returning to the area, but the school system is struggling to cope. ActionAid is helping the communities to build new schools in the area as well as water points, shelter and health centres to provide for local children and future generations.
We promote equal access to education for all, and support non-formal education for children affected by conflict, and HIV and AIDS. Our radical adult literacy programme, Reflect, was pioneered by ActionAid in Uganda, and is now in use in over 60 countries by 350 organisations.
Poverty and equality in Uganda
Uganda has experienced relative political stability and economic growth in recent years under the leadership of President Museveni. But with agriculture employing over 80 per cent of the work force and many rural families having no access to safe water or adequate food supplies, life remains challenging for Uganda’s poorest people.
Ongoing rebel fighting in the north has led to widespread human rights violations and the displacement of millions of people. The country also remains vulnerable to natural disasters, as seen in the 2007 floods, which left 400,000 people displaced.
Women in poor countries grow 60 to 80% of the food, yet women use only one per cent of the credit given to farmers around the world. The Uganda HungerFREE campaign was launched in 2008, and calls on the government to support women’s rights to land and good quality seed.We work with local communities to set up seed banks, which give small-scale farmers the tools they need to build a livelihood.
How you can help
When you sponsor a child in Uganda, you'll be providing the resources for real, long-term change. You'll get two letters a year from the child you sponsor, and updates from the country programme to tell you how the money you are spending is changing the community your child lives in.
