Kampala, Uganda – Uganda has taken a decisive step in its battle against child poverty, with the launch of the National Coalition to End Child Poverty.
The new coalition, inaugurated by Hon. Betty Amongi, Minister of Gender, Labour, and Social Development, at the Serena Hotel in Kampala, aims to address the deep-rooted social and economic factors contributing to child poverty across the nation.
Aligned with the National Child Policy (2020), the coalition seeks to bolster government efforts to reduce child poverty and social exclusion and ensure that every Ugandan child has the opportunity to thrive.
Hon. Amongi spoke passionately about the need for this coalition, highlighting its potential to create lasting change by harnessing the strengths of local community organizations and national policymakers. “This coalition connects us directly with communities,” she said. “Our partners on the ground understand the unique challenges faced by children and families living in poverty, allowing us to create interventions that truly respond to the needs of these communities.”
The coalition unites civil society organizations, NGOs, faith-based institutions, and community leaders, with a common goal: reducing child poverty in all forms.
Minister Amongi noted that such collaboration encourages innovation and the sharing of best practices, enhancing the coalition’s capacity to deliver impactful, community-specific solutions.
Uganda’s young demographic is both an asset and a challenge. Of the country’s population of 45.9 million, 24.7 million are children aged 0-19, and this figure climbs to 63.5% when including youth up to age 24.
“This is an opportunity for Uganda to harness what we call the ‘demographic dividend,’” Hon. Amongi explained. “But it also poses a risk.
If we don’t educate, protect, and equip these young people with skills and opportunities, this potential can easily turn into a demographic time bomb.”
The coalition seeks to address the root causes of child poverty, ensuring that Uganda’s future generations are not left behind.
“Our children are the future of Uganda, and the government is committed to securing their four cardinal rights: survival, development, protection, and participation,” Hon. Amongi added.
Minister Amongi emphasized that Uganda’s commitment to children’s welfare is rooted in the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda (1995), which upholds the rights of all citizens, including children, to be protected and cared for.
In addition to its national policies, Uganda has ratified numerous international and regional treaties, adopting global standards and guidelines that mandate child protection and welfare.
“This coalition represents a crucial step forward in our nation’s commitment to these ideals,” she said. “By upholding international standards and addressing child poverty locally, we are creating a better, safer Uganda for all children.”
The National Coalition to End Child Poverty marks a milestone in Uganda’s journey toward a more inclusive, supportive society.
By linking grassroots organizations with national and international frameworks, the coalition aims to bring sustainable change to millions of Ugandan children who struggle with poverty and lack of access to essential resources.
Uganda’s leaders, child welfare advocates, and local organizations are calling on all citizens to join in the mission to end child poverty.
As Hon. Amongi noted, “This is not just about government action—it is about a nationwide movement to give every child the right to hope, to growth, and to a future filled with promise.”
Credit: Daily Express
