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Our work in Uganda

Sightsavers’ focus in Uganda is to promote social inclusion and tackle neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). We help to distribute NTD treatments in the country and carry out sight-saving operations.

Teacher at the front of a classroom teaching sign language to children seated at desks

Sightsavers started working in Uganda in 1954.

Our first programmes in the country aimed to control river blindness, a debilitating neglected tropical disease, and to provide rehabilitation and support for people whose sight couldn’t be saved.

In 1994, we opened a dedicated office in Kampala, and the following year we began working to help blind and visually impaired children participate fully in mainstream schools. Since 2010, we have focused on improving local health systems, promoting social inclusion and tackling neglected tropical diseases.

Uganda is also home to our award-winning Connecting the Dots project, which has provided vocational training to young people with disabilities so they can find work and support themselves financially. The project has transformed attitudes to disability, and shows potential employers how hiring people with disabilities could benefit their business.

Sightsavers’ focus in Uganda is to promote social inclusion and tackle neglected tropical diseases (NTDs).

At a glance

Total population
  • 44.2 million

  • What we focus on
  • Cataracts
  • Disability rights

  • Key programmes
  • Cataract surgery
  • Connecting the Dots

  • Previous programmes
  • CATCH
  • Reducing river blindness
  • The Trachoma Initiative
  • How we’re making a difference in Uganda

    Four men stand around a car.

    Challenging stereotypes

    "If they are given the chance of working they can do something good – they surprise you."

    Isaac, business owner
    Read Isaac’s story

    Gladys smiles while standing over an elderly woman who is sitting down.

    Reaching everyone

    “My job comes with a lot of responsibility because I oversee the eye care service in the subregion.”

    Dr Atto, ophthalmologist
    Read Gladys’s story

    Okello Charles.

    Fighting disease

    “I have many friends that have gone blind. That’s what made me be part of the team that catches flies.”

    Okello Charles, volunteer
    Read Okello’s story

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    More from Uganda

    An older man smiles as he holds his right hand over his eye during an eye test.
    Sightsavers Reports

    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.

    Gladys Atto in her medical scrubs, smiles at the camera. There's an illustrated ring of small dots surrounding her face.
    Sightsavers Reports

    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.”

    Illustration of student ophthalmologist Dr Hawa Megembe, sitting in a chair with flowers and a framed picture behind her.
    Sightsavers Reports

    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.

    The Kigali Convention Centre in Rwanda is lit up in purple light for World NTD Day.
    Sightsavers from the field

    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
    A large group of people hold a banner that celebrates the launch of the first cross-border mass drug administration for trachoma.
    sightsavers_news

    First cross-border treatments for trachoma are distributed in Kenya and Uganda

    On 21 October 2021, teams in key districts on both sides of the Kenyan-Ugandan border began a mass drug distribution campaign to fight the disease.

    November 2021
    A laughing while holding a baby.
    Sightsavers blog

    Why tackling disability discrimination is key to employment projects

    As part of our Connecting the Dots project in Uganda, we tested a new way of boosting employment rates by influencing communities, families and businesses to act more positively toward people with disabilities.

    Edith Kagoya, June 2021

    We save sight in 30 countries worldwide

    Where we work