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.
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 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 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
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
Your donation could help change lives
DONATEMore from Uganda
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.
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.
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.
We save sight in 30 countries worldwide
Where we work