Acts of kindness: Why Uganda is Among the World’s Most Generous Nations

Updated by Faith Barbara N Ruhinda at 1213 EAT on Wednesday 13 August 2025

On a warm Sunday morning in Kampala, offering baskets quietly pass from hand to hand down the pews of packed churches.
People drop in coins, worn banknotes, and sometimes a sealed envelope. For many Ugandans, the act is as instinctive as prayer—more than a ritual, it’s a gesture rooted in faith, tradition, and the deeply held belief that giving is as much a duty as worship.

That instinct to give—whether to a church, a neighbour, or a complete stranger—has placed Uganda among the most generous nations in the world, according to the World Giving Report 2025 (WGR).

The report paints a striking portrait: nearly eight in ten Ugandans donated money in 2024, with an average of 2.04 percent of their income given away—nearly double the global average. By proportion of income donated, Uganda now ranks sixth worldwide.

But behind those numbers lies a deeper truth: in Uganda, generosity is not a campaign or a tax write-off. It is a lived practice—woven into daily life, community responsibility, and spiritual belief. According to the WGR, produced by the CivLegacy Foundation in partnership with the Charities Aid Foundation, 57 percent of all donations in Uganda go to religious institutions.

“Generosity is in line with the church doctrine of almsgiving,” says Andrew Semakula, a devout Catholic in Kampala. “It’s usually influenced by empathy and compassion.”

Phillip Tukamushaba, another Christian believer, adds that the motivation is also practical.

“We give to keep our community strong,” he says. “Churches need support for building, outreach, and the work they do among the poor.”

The data supports this: Ugandans are more likely to give when the impact is personal and visible. Rather than routing donations through large organizations, many prefer direct giving—to a friend in need, a local fundraiser, or their place of worship. The immediacy of the impact matters.

The Heart of Ugandan Giving

Globally, the top reasons for giving are a belief in the cause (65%), a sense of duty (31%), and religious influence (29%). Across Africa, religious motivation rises to 52%. But in Uganda, faith takes an even more central role—intertwined with the cultural philosophy of Ubuntu, the belief that “I am because we are.”

Generosity here is not measured only in currency. It’s measured in shared burdens, open doors, and meals offered to strangers. It’s a social contract—quiet, enduring, and deeply rooted in both faith and community.

Giving as a Way of Life in Uganda

In Uganda, giving is not just an act of charity—it is a philosophy, a way of living a meaningful life and leaving a legacy. Even with limited resources, Ugandans continue to volunteer their time and energy at rates far above the global average. In 2024, 44 percent of Ugandans volunteered, contributing an average of 16 hours and 30 minutes annually—nearly double the global figure.

“Even raising a child is seen as the responsibility of the entire village,” says Josephine Atuhaire of CivSource Africa.

With limited government funding, many Ugandans step in to fill critical gaps in healthcare, education, and social services. And while poverty might appear to be a barrier to giving, both data and experience suggest otherwise.

“Even in wealthy countries, it’s often the middle and lower-income earners who give the most,” says Jackie Asiimwe, a philanthropy advisor.
“They understand what it means to go without. Giving isn’t about surplus—it’s about solidarity.”

Still, the reality of economic hardship cannot be ignored. Sixty-three percent of Ugandans who don’t give say it’s simply because they cannot afford to. Another 18 percent prefer in-kind contributions—offering food, clothing, or labor rather than cash.

Trust and the Future of Giving

Interestingly, the World Giving Report (WGR) found that international charities are the most trusted by Ugandans, with 52 percent expressing confidence in them, followed by local and regional organisations.

But how do people decide where to give?

According to the report, it often comes down to proximity and personal connection:

22% hear about charities through their religious community.
17% through personal recommendations.
Fewer than 10% via street campaigns or traditional media.

While street outreach and mass media still play a role, social media is emerging as a growing influence. Globally, 14 percent of donors now discover causes online, suggesting that in Uganda, too, the smartphone in someone’s hand may soon rival the pulpit as a call to give.

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