Caritas Uganda Mobilizes Shs 90 Million to Support Education for Needy Children

Updated by Eric Kikomeko at 1542 EAT on Wednesday 3 December 2025

Bishop Jjumba Calls on Youth to Embrace Responsible Parenthood Amid Rising Child Vulnerability

Bishop Severus Jjumba, President of Caritas Uganda, has called on young communities to embrace responsible parenthood, describing it as essential in reducing the growing number of vulnerable children forced to rely on charity for survival.

He made the appeal on November 28 during Caritas Uganda’s fundraising dinner at Hotel Africana in Kampala. The drive aims to raise Shs 200 million to support disadvantaged children with access to basic education. At the event, organized jointly by Caritas Uganda and the Childcare and Emergency Relief Program (CERP), more than Shs 90 million in cash and pledges was raised.

Speaking at the dinner, Bishop Jjumba highlighted the daily appeals received by Caritas offices for school fees, medical care, nutrition support, clothing, and psychosocial assistance. He observed, “We often feel overwhelmed due to the significant number of children whose futures are uncertain.”

One in Four Children Out of School, BUCADEF Chair Calls for Responsible Parenting
Source: The Observer

Uganda is facing a worrying reality, with one in every four children out of school, primarily due to poverty and recurring emergencies. Addressing this challenge, Dr. Benon Sekamatte, Board Chairperson of the Buganda Culture and Development Foundation (BUCADEF), emphasized the need to ensure that underprivileged children also have the opportunity to attend school.

Dr. Sekamatte applauded Caritas Uganda for leading initiatives aimed at supporting childcare and education. “The girl child is the most vulnerable, but the boy child also needs attention. That is my conviction,” he said. “We must also raise awareness that when you have a child, you must raise them well.”