Uganda
Sightsavers’ focus in Uganda is to promote social inclusion and tackle neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). In 2017 we distributed 275,000 NTD treatments and helped to carry out 5,000 sight-saving operations.
Sightsavers, originally known as the Royal Commonwealth Society for the Blind, 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.
At a glance
Total populationWhat we focus on
Key programmes
How we’re making a difference in Uganda
Challenging stereotypes
“We can change perceptions by telling people that disability is not inability – that disabled people are human.”
Rita Asabo, disability trainer
Read Rita’s story
Raising awareness
“Radio allows people to ask questions, and it spreads awareness among a bigger group of people.”
William Mugayo, district worker
Read the story
Reaching local people
“I wanted to help people because they were dying – I want to save my community and give them medicine.”
Ajuna Socia, local volunteer
Read Ajuna’s story
Your donation could help change lives
DONATEMore from Uganda
November updates: highlights from around the world
News about a programme that has distributed more than 137,000 pairs of glasses across eight countries. Plus updates from Guinea, Cote d’Ivoire, Mozambique and more.
October updates: highlights from around the world
In October, celebrations took place in many of Sightsavers' programme countries to mark World Sight Day. Plus news from Kenya, Mozambique and more.
Okello’s story
After seeing many of his friends and family lose their sight to river blindness, Okello Charles volunteered to become a ‘fly catcher’, helping to eliminate the flies that spread the disease.
14 areas in Uganda now free from river blindness
Nearly four million people are now free from the threat of the disease, the Uganda National Onchocerciasis Elimination Committee has announced.
More UK funding announced for disability-inclusive employment initiatives
The funding, which was announced by UK Secretary of State Penny Mordaunt, aims to address disability inclusion in developing countries.
Sightsavers Uganda takes part in national disability dialogue
The discussions in Kampala focused on how Uganda can achieve the aim of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals: to leave no one behind.
June highlights: updates from around the world
A round-up of the latest work that your donations help to support. Featuring news from India, Kenya, Senegal, Uganda and Nigeria.
Sightsavers’ trachoma work in Uganda features in The Telegraph
Journalists from the newspaper visited Uganda to see how the country is tackling this infectious neglected tropical disease, thanks to help from UK Aid.
Free eye examinations launched for older people in Uganda
People aged over 65 can now have a free eye examination while collecting their pension, and can then be referred for treatment for conditions such as cataracts or blinding trachoma.
Eye health groups call on Commonwealth governments to commit to protecting sight
Six leading organisations have come together under the banner ‘Vision for the Commonwealth’ to ask Commonwealth leaders to bring eye care to all.
Former Bishop of London praises Uganda’s progress in fighting trachoma
The Right Rev Richard Chartres visited the Iganga district in the east of the country, where he saw work taking place to eliminate the blinding disease.
A brighter future for people with disabilities
With your help, we’re working hard to ensure people with disabilities have the same chances in life as everyone else, to earn, learn and be happy.
We save sight in 30 countries worldwide
Where we work