KAMPALA – On October 27 and 28 2015, the United States government, in partnership with the Government of Uganda, hosted more than 600 participants at the National Forum on the State of the Ugandan Child to address the critical challenges facing children in Uganda.
The two-day Forum, held at Speke Resort Munyonyo, brought together participants from both the private and public sectors, including Members of Parliament, district and local government officials, child advocates, researchers, media, civil society development partners, and other key stakeholders. Uganda’s Prime Minister, Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda and the U.S. Chargé d’Affaires, Patricia Mahoney, opened the program.
Keynote presentations by high level national and international child experts committed to child well-being, highlighted challenges to child development, in the areas of health, nutrition, girls’ education, social protection, and the justice system. Participants also heard from Phiona Mutesi, who spoke about her story of hope and way out of the Kampala slums by becoming a chess champion, as well as from self-made millionaire, Patrick Bitature.
To demonstrate their commitment towards addressing the needs of Uganda’s children, participants agreed on consultative talks around a draft National Action Plan for Child Well-Being. The draft Action Plan seeks to provide a clear direction for collective efforts to build a Uganda in which all children can survive, grow and develop to their full potential.
The U.S government, through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), called for more investment in child development and protection by policy makers, leaders and all stakeholders at various levels.
For additional information, please contact:
Nanyonga Dorothy, Information Assistant, U.S. Mission Uganda
Tel: +256 414 306 410 Cell: +256 772 221 412, +256 784 846 334
Email: NanyongaDX@state.gov
