UNICEF News Issue 8
UNICEF Uganda Newsletter, April - June 2026
Highlights
The first months of a new chapter
This quarter, I had the privilege of unveiling our Country Programme 2026–2030 to the media and reaffirming our shared ambition with the Government of Uganda and partners: a country where every child grows up healthy, educated, protected and empowered. This edition offers a first look at the work under way. At the heart of the programme is a simple shift: moving beyond short-term reach to strengthening government institutions, policies and systems that will serve Uganda’s children for years to come.
Midway into the quarter, we pivoted to respond to the Ebola outbreak that spread to Uganda from the Democratic Republic of Congo. UNICEF is working with the Ministry of Health, the World Health Organization and partners to protect children and communities through clean water and hygiene supplies for health facilities, risk communication, community engagement and community-based surveillance in high-risk districts. Such moments test the systems we are strengthening and show why investing in them cannot wait.
Despite the emergency, our longer-term priorities continued. Uganda launched the world’s first national adaptation plan for water, sanitation and hygiene, a roadmap UNICEF supported to help districts build climate-resilient services. In Napak District, Karamoja, our team has helped local leaders collect more of their own revenue and invest it directly in children. Our advocacy secured Uganda Shs15.6 billion (US$4.3m) for the child disability benefit in the government's newly read budget. All are about systems that will keep working for children long after our support has ended.
Our nutrition response in Karamoja and refugee-hosting districts combines lifesaving humanitarian support with systems building. With Uganda Humanitarian Fund support, managed by OCHA, UNICEF is working with the government and frontline health workers to screen and treat children with severe malnutrition while strengthening the skills needed to sustain care. The stories that follow show this commitment through the families living it.
Funding pressures remain and require difficult choices. Our resolve is unchanged: greater impact through sharper prioritisation, efficiency and strong partnerships. To every partner who continues to stand with us, thank you. This new chapter is being written through our work, and much remains to be done.
Happy reading!
Dr Robin Nandy
Country Representative to Uganda
