UNICEF News Issue 9
UNICEF Uganda Newsletter, July - September 2026
Highlights
Stronger systems for every child
Representative's message
Children need good health, education, protection and social support to thrive. A child who is healthy is better able to learn. A child who is protected is more likely to thrive. A family that can access social protection is better equipped to withstand shocks. Lasting progress depends on strong systems working together.
Welcome to the third-quarter edition of UNICEF Uganda News. This edition shows how UNICEF and its partners responded to urgent needs while investing in children and stronger communities.
Uganda has declared the end of its Ebola outbreak, with no cases reported since mid-July. However, the outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo continues, requiring surveillance, community engagement, WASH and infection prevention. With support from the Governments of the United States and Iceland and Mastercard Foundation, UNICEF helped the Ministry of Health train and deploy more than 15,000 community health workers in 17 districts. Radio messages reached over 6 million people.
In response to the ongoing food and nutrition insecurity crisis, UNICEF, with support from the Uganda Humanitarian Fund, enabled nearly 99,000 children to be screened for malnutrition and approximately 22,000 children with severe acute malnutrition to receive treatment.
UNICEF and partners also continued to strengthen systems and services for children. A total of 978 Community Health Extension Workers and 9,414 Village Health Team members were trained and deployed, expanding primary health care and immunisation. Uganda finalised its third Nutrition Action Plan and developed guidance on human milk banks and feeding children with disabilities. Additionally, we leveraged private sector investment to improve access to quality diets through the egg powder initiative, benefitting over 19,000 children aged 6-23 months.
UNICEF’s contribution to the Education sector included support towards a new National Early Childhood Care and Education Policy, a validated Integrated Early Childhood Development Strategy and the leveraging of a US$328 million U-Learn Programme.
In seven districts, an estimated 54,000 adolescent girls and young women accessed health, HIV prevention and protection services. More than 1,600 girls at heightened risk received additional support to strengthen their safety, resilience and future opportunities.
Social protection and climate resilience also advanced with UNICEF support. The Government committed US$4.2 million to the National Child Disability Assistance Programme. With European Union support, inclusive cash assistance reached over 12,000 adolescents and young people. Uganda also launched its first WASH National Adaptation Plan. Digital birth notifications, child-friendly justice information and community advocacy are further strengthening protection.
The results, detailed further in the newsletter, show the value of investing in children and strong local systems.
Please join us in marking the International Day of the Girl Child on 11 October, World Children’s Day on 20 November and UNICEF’s 80th anniversary on 11 December.
Thank you for standing with Uganda’s children.
Dr Robin Nandy
Country Representative to Uganda
