Uganda

Uganda is located in eastern Africa, west of Kenya, south of South Sudan, east of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and north of Rwanda and Tanzania. Uganda is in the African Great Lakes region, lies within the Nile basin, and has a varied but generally modified equatorial climate. As of 2023, Uganda has a population of around 49.6 million, of which 8.5 million live in the capital and largest city of Kampala.

Most children in Uganda have experienced physical violence that threatens and halts their holistic and positive development – 59 per cent of girls and 68 per cent of boys. Gender-based violence and sexual violence are also pervasive, with some 35 per cent of girls and 17 per cent of boys having experienced sexual violence during childhood. Girls are especially at risk of child marriage, teenage pregnancy, and female genital mutilation. Today, 4 in 10 women aged 20 to 49 years are married by 18 years, and at least 1 in 4 teenage girls are either pregnant or have a child. Child labor is pervasive, with children mainly working in the informal sector. In rural areas, 93 per cent of children are engaged in agricultural and fishing activities.

Sub-goal 16.2 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is dedicated to eradicating violence against children. The SDG framework places a greater emphasis on child and youth development compared to the preceding Millennium Development Goals, aiming not only to ensure access to essential services for children but also to support them in realizing their full potential as individuals.

In Uganda, the majority of the population adheres to Christianity, with a minority practicing Islam. Faith leaders in Uganda have demonstrated effective child protection practices, including listening to children and reporting instances of abuse. These leaders play a crucial role in advancing the welfare of children within their communities. They have partnered with UN agencies to educate, mobilize, encourage, and persuade their congregations to ensure their children receive necessary immunizations.

Religious leaders play a crucial role in amplifying messages concerning child rights and protection, rallying community support, and influencing social norms to foster a more child-friendly environment in Uganda. Through their moral standing and influence, they can effectively tackle issues like child marriage, child labor, and violence against children. The Uganda Joint Christian Council (UJCC) serves as a platform that unites various Christian denominations in Uganda to foster harmony and work together in tackling societal challenges, including safeguarding children against gender-based violence, sexual violence, child marriage, teenage pregnancy, and female genital mutilation.