Our work in Uganda

Overview

Uganda’s current population is nearing 41 million, and the country has one of the fastest growing and youngest populations in the world – 54 per cent of the population are under 18 years old. There is an increase in demand for social services like health and education, but these services are not growing at the same pace as the population. Unemployment is high, particularly among young men who have completed secondary (and sometimes higher) education but cannot find work.

Climate-related emergencies, including flooding, drought and landslides, are becoming increasingly common, leading to reduced harvests and the destruction of people’s homes and businesses. The country is also hosting close to 1.5 million refugees from neighbouring countries such as South Sudan, Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, Burundi, and Somalia.

After previously having success in HIV prevention, HIV rates are now rising again.

Our work in Uganda

Tearfund has worked in Uganda since the late 1970s. The goal of our work is the healing and transformation of every area of people’s lives – physical, social and spiritual.

In particular, we promote a process known as Church and Community Transformation (CCT) which mobilises and empowers local churches to become agents of change in their communities. It encourages the restoration of people’s relationships with God, each other, and creation.

Church and Community Transformation

CCT is playing an important role in improving understanding about the transmission and prevention of HIV. It is also reducing levels of stigma towards people living with the virus. A pilot project has recently been introduced to reduce the transmission of HIV from mothers to children, and to improve maternal and child health.

Water and sanitation

Tearfund’s water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) programming provides access to clean water and proper sanitation and hygiene training for communities. This is recognised as a crucial foundation for positive development in many areas, including health, income, agriculture and education.

Supporting refugees

Due to conflict in South Sudan, more than a million people have crossed the border into Uganda. Tearfund’s partners are working in the refugee camps and are using our CCT approach to promote peacebuilding and trauma healing. We are also training church leaders in peace and reconciliation work, broadcasting radio programmes on peacebuilding, and providing sanitary kits for girls and young women.