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Where we do it > Uganda
| Population: |
25.5 million |
| Capital city: |
Kampala |
| GDP per capita: |
$6 bn |
| HDI ranking: |
144 out of 177 countries * |
| Life expectancy: |
48 |
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* The UNDP Human Development Index (HDI) measures a country's achievements
in terms of life expectancy, educational attainment and adjusted real income.
Country backgroundVSO Uganda volunteers are working in the four districts of Kibaale, Masindi, Ntungamo and Bushenyi in the areas of participation and governance and disability.
Participation and governance
The government of Uganda has embarked on a major programme of reform and decentralisation to improve the supply and provision of public services such as education and healthcare. Under this programme, district government office staffs are expected to carry out new tasks, roles and responsibilities but they often lack the necessary skills. In addition, weaknesses in civil society organisations mean many poor people have no one to act on their behalf to demand the services they are entitled to or hold the government to account.
VSO Uganda volunteers are working with both civil society organisations and district government offices in the areas of education, healthcare and livelihoods. Volunteers including management and organisational development advisers, communication and advocacy experts and education, health and rural livelihoods specialists are working to ensure the poorest communities have the power to demand their rights, and the authorities are in a position to deliver services. Disability
People with disabilities are among the most disadvantaged in Uganda. There is little support for people with disabilities to access their rights and create popular demand for appropriate services; lack of appropriate education services and training; and little attempt to integrate people with disabilities into the community. There is limited information on health issues to help families and communities to understand and overcome the challenges they face related to disability. There are also limited specialised, health services available to cater for the different needs of people with disabilities.
VSO Uganda volunteers are working with both national and locally-based organisations to address a number of issues including access to basic services such as relevant therapy and appropriate education; the promotion of the rights of people with disabilities and building networks that advocate for national policies that consider the needs and right of those with disabilities.
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Uganda: Programme Summaries |
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