A recent report by the Uganda Bureau of Statistics indicates that Uganda had approximately 3 million orphans under the age of 18 in 2024, primarily affecting rural communities and especially girls.
The Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) recently published a report stating that in 2024, there were around 3 million orphaned children under 18 years old in Uganda. This report, executed in collaboration with the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development and UNICEF, sheds light on the significant issues surrounding child welfare in the country, emphasizing the stark realities faced by vulnerable children.
The findings suggest a troubling trend: a higher percentage of children have lost their fathers (6.2%) compared to those who have lost mothers (2.5%), with 4.2% of children having experienced the loss of both parents. Overall, the report indicates that approximately 13% of children in Uganda are affected by the loss of one or both parents, which highlights the urgent need for interventions and support systems to assist these vulnerable demographics.
Particularly alarming is the report’s indication that rural communities bear the greatest burden of orphanhood, with regions like West Nile, Madi, and Karamoja showing the highest numbers of orphaned children. Central districts such as Lwengo, Ssembabule, Kassanda, and Rakai are also among those with elevated levels of orphanhood, calling for concerted efforts from the government and NGOs to address the alarming statistics and provide necessary support for these children.
