We work with governments and local organisations in Uganda and countries across Africa to deliver vital charity work and make sure everyone has the chance to thrive.
Sightsavers in Uganda
Uganda is a small, landlocked country in East Africa. It has a diverse landscape with mountains, national parks and waterfalls.
While 90% of people in Uganda can reach a medical centre within an hour, those in rural areas often struggle to access vital health care because they can’t afford transportation. Health services in remote regions generally offer a lower level of care than those in urban areas, leading to health inequalities across the country.
Four neglected tropical diseases that can be treated with preventative medication are endemic in Uganda. Trachoma is particularly prevalent in areas near the border with Kenya, where nomadic populations frequently move between the two countries, highlighting some of the difficulties around reaching everyone.
In 2009, Uganda ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. The country’s constitution protects disability rights, and the Ugandan parliament has mandated that people with disabilities are represented at all levels of government. Yet many people with disabilities still struggle to claim their rights, particularly in education, employment and health care.
Facts about Uganda
- Population: 47 million
- Capital: Kampala
- Official language: English
- Human development index (HDI) ranking: 166 (low)
3.1 million people in Uganda are thought to have sight loss
1.6 million people need medication for river blindness
6.5% of people in the country are thought to have a disability
Sources: IAPB, ESPEN, Disability Data Portal
Trainee ophthalmologist Moses Iriama stands outside a university eye care centre in Moroto, Uganda.
What are the challenges in Uganda, and how can these be addressed?
Eye care
There are only 40 ophthalmologists in Uganda.
Cataracts and refractive error are the main causes of sight loss in Uganda, with women most affected because they’re often less able to access eye care services. Sightsavers’ charity work in the country is helping to develop a comprehensive and sustainable eye health system that can deliver high-quality, affordable services.
Infectious diseases
People in Uganda are at high risk of disease.
Trachoma and lymphatic filariasis are endemic in Uganda, putting millions of people at risk of blindness and ill health. Our work on neglected tropical diseases in the country focuses on distributing medication and treating people by providing operations, such as hydrocele surgery, to help reduce painful symptoms.
Inclusion and equality
Not everyone in Uganda can claim their rights.
Women, girls and people with disabilities face stigma and discrimination in society. Our charity work on disability rights in Uganda focuses on improving everyone’s access to health care, education and employment.
Gladys Atoo in her Doctor's uniform, smiles at the camera
“I’m the only ophthalmologist in Karamoja. Every year, I keep hoping that I’m not still saying this.”
Gladys works on Sightsavers’ inclusive eye care programme in northeast Uganda. Read her story
How you can help
Our charity work in Uganda is helping to make society more inclusive, but there’s still more we need to do.
With your support, we want to strengthen the health system, protect people from disease and create a ripple effect in Uganda, so everyone can learn, earn and thrive. To do this, we need your help.
Charity donations, legacies, corporate partnerships and gifts from charitable foundations are a vital source of funding for our programmes in Uganda. We also welcome opportunities to work in partnership with governments, institutions and development organisations.
Contact us: If you have any questions about our work in Uganda, would like more details about our programmes or wish to discuss ways you can donate or support us, email [email protected]
Latest stories from Uganda
“Everyone deserves quality eye care services”
In Uganda, an inclusive eye health programme has helped to protect people’s vision and build a sustainable eye health system that can be accessed by everyone.
February 2024
Collaborating to improve gender-based violence services
Women and girls with disabilities face a higher risk of gender-based violence, yet they are often prevented from receiving support due to inaccessible services.
Lucy Muchiri, November 2023
We are… creating inclusive eye health services
We’re working with governments in Uganda and Malawi to improve access to quality eye care services and prevent avoidable blindness.
A day in the life: the only ophthalmologist in Karamoja
“My name is Dr Gladys Atto. I wanted to be a doctor since I was a child, and I am very proud to be an ophthalmologist and have an impact on people’s lives.”
A day in the life: “It’s a blessing to have the power to change someone’s life”
Dr Hawa Naiga Magembe is studying ophthalmology in Uganda with the help of a scholarship provided by Sightsavers’ inclusive eye health programme.
World NTD Day 2022: highlights from around the world
On 30 January 2022, Sightsavers staff and supporters joined the global event to raise awareness about eliminating neglected tropical diseases.
February 2022
Discover where Sightsavers works in Africa and Asia
Where we work