The Republic of Uganda is a landlocked country in east Africa. It has a population of almost 50 million people, most of whom live in rural areas.
The country has significant national parks and is home to Lake Victoria, Africa’s largest lake.
Uganda gained independence in 1962, joining the United Nations the same year. The country experienced periods of instability, most notably during Idi Amin’s presidency in the 1970s. Uganda has a growing economy. However, there are concerns around shrinking political and civil spaces.
Ireland has been working in Uganda since 1994. This work involves partnering with the government, European Union, United Nations and NGOs. Ireland is focused on developing its political, cultural and trade relationships with Uganda.
Ireland prioritises climate action and education.
Uganda in focus
Uganda’s economy continues to grow, although regional poverty still persists. This is particularly the case in the Karamoja region. Many people there rely on subsistence farming. The effects of climate change have contributed to sustained food insecurity.
School enrolment rates in Uganda have improved significantly this century. However, school closures during the Covid-19 pandemic have presented renewed challenges. Ensuring pupils complete primary education remains a priority.
Uganda hosts over 1.5 million refugees and asylum seekers, mostly from South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Burundi. This is more than any other country in sub-Saharan Africa.
Agriculture is Uganda’s primary industry. Almost three quarters of the population earn income from the sector.
The country is also rich in natural resources such as cobalt and copper. In 2014, the Ugandan government founded the Uganda National Oil Company, to develop and establish the country as an oil-producing nation.
Ireland’s Aid work in Uganda
Ireland's development work in Uganda covers five key areas:
Climate action
Ireland contributed €2 million across 2021 and 2022 to support sustainable forestry and climate-smart agriculture in Uganda. This work is administered by the World Bank Trust Fund.
Forests play a vital role in mitigating the impacts of climate change. Ireland supports projects that address environmental degradation. We also promote the participation of women in decisions on the use and development of natural resources.
Furthest behind First
With almost 1.5 million refugees, Uganda has significant humanitarian needs. Ireland supports the refugee response. We fund the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) and the World Food Programme (WFP) to support refugees.
This support focuses on cash transfers, food, education and protection of women and children.
Health
Gender-based violence remains a persistent issue in Uganda. The Karamoja region has the highest fertility and maternal mortality in the country. Women are at high risk of dying in pregnancy or childbirth. Improvements have been made in under-five mortality rates.
Providing healthcare support
Ireland supported efforts to improve access to sexual and reproductive health services for women and girls in the region.
Education
Ireland works with a range of partners to address barriers to education, primarily in Karamoja. We provide bursaries to students, support skills training and provide school meals.
Ugandan students are also invited to apply to the Ireland Fellows programme. This programme provides bursaries to study at post-graduate level at universities in Ireland.
Supporting education in Karamoja
Karamoja is one of Uganda’s poorest regions. Accessing education is a real challenge for many families in the area.
Ireland has partnered with NGO Straight Talk Foundation to increase access to quality education for school children in Karamoja.
Reaching those most in need
The programme provides bursaries to students to assist with school fees and tuition, transport and expenses. It also provides mentoring and career guidance.
With Ireland’s support, Straight Talk Foundation engages with teachers, district leaders and other key stakeholders to ensure that the support provided is reaching those most in need.
Since 2016 more than 2,500 students from Karamoja have received support through the programme.
There is now a vibrant alumni network of students who had benefited from this programme.
Social protection
Ireland provides support for the delivery of social protection programmes in Uganda. We particularly focus on senior citizens. This is in line with our goal to prioritise the most vulnerable in society.
Ireland also supports civil society organisations and groups who advocate for vulnerable and marginalised communities in Uganda.
We also provided assistance and funding to support the response to an outbreak of Ebola in Uganda in 2022. The outbreak was declared over in January, 2023. Uganda has a serious shortage of trained health workers.