Our work in Uganda
Sightsavers’ focus in Uganda is to promote social inclusion and tackle neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). In 2018 we distributed 283,000 NTD treatments and helped to carry out 6,400 sight-saving operations.
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). In 2019, we supported more than 3,000 surgeries for advanced trachoma.
At a glance
Total populationWhat we focus on
Key programmes
Previous programmes
How we’re making a difference in Uganda
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
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
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
Your donation could help change lives
DONATEMore from Uganda
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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.
How one project touched 34 million lives
As the 17-year-long Seeing is Believing project comes to an end, Imran Khan goes behind the scenes to reveal why it has made such an impact.
The businesses embracing disability inclusion
Meet the teams that Sightsavers partners with around the world to help them foster more disability inclusive workplaces.
FCDO publishes progress report on disability inclusion
The report highlights the progress made since the strategy was published and shows the key lessons that have been learnt during that time.
Sightsavers' Equal World campaign wins Third Sector award
Sightsavers' innovative campaign app allowed staff in programme countries to collect petition signatures from people living in areas without internet coverage.
The business owner training young people with disabilities
Isaac Bolingo is training young people with disabilities to be mechanics in his garage.
We save sight in 30 countries worldwide
Where we work