Catholic Church Seeks Shs 600 Million to Uplift Children Living in Poverty

Updated by Faith Barbara N Ruhinda at 1312 EAT on Friday 24 October 2025

Facing a decline in donor funding, the Catholic Church in Uganda has launched an appeal for Shs 600 million to assist 380 vulnerable children nationwide.

Rt. Rev. Serverus Jjumba, President of Caritas Uganda and Bishop of Masaka Diocese, made the appeal during the launch of the Caritas Uganda annual fundraising drive, which will culminate in a charity dinner on November 28, 2025, at Hotel Africana under the theme “Charity is the Heart of Faith.”

“We anticipate charity by preventing poverty and promoting development among the poorest of the poor. Our faith is alive only when it is expressed in love,” Bishop Jjumba said.

For decades, Caritas Uganda, through its 19 diocesan branches, has been at the forefront of promoting charity, integral human development, and institutional growth, serving the poor, the vulnerable, and the marginalized across the country.

The organisation provides emergency relief, supports livelihoods, and promotes the dignity of every person. This year, Caritas Uganda aims to raise Shs 600 million by encouraging at least 10,000 Ugandans to contribute Shs 60,000 each.

The funds will go toward providing education, welfare, and hope to 380 orphans and vulnerable children every year, while also assisting families in crisis.

> “Through our diocesan Caritas branches, these resources will make a direct impact on children and families who are in desperate need,” Bishop Jjumba said.

Last year, public contributions enabled Caritas Uganda to respond to multiple emergencies and community needs, including support for 372 victims of the Kiteezi landfill tragedy in Kampala and 895 displaced persons in Kasese following devastating floods.

They also delivered Christmas packages to Nsambya Babies’ Home, sponsored 11 children from Kotido Diocese with tuition, clothing, food, and counselling, and responded to 30 walk-in cases of urgent need.

“These are lives transformed because Ugandans chose to give,” Bishop Jjumba said.

Fr Hilary Muheezangango, the National Director of Caritas Uganda, highlighted the Church’s commitment to investing in education as a lasting solution to poverty.

“No matter how much we invest in businesses, if we don’t invest in children’s education, we have done nothing,” he said.

Fr Muheezangango further noted that the Church’s support extends beyond the Catholic community, reaching out to all Ugandans. Diocesan Caritas teams, he said, work to identify and support needy children regardless of their background or faith.

— Reporting by The Observer

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