Uganda Urged to Invest More in Children to Secure Demographic Dividend

What the report says

Uganda’s Equal Opportunities Commission has urged the government and other stakeholders to step up investment in children’s health, education, nutrition and protection, warning that the country could miss the economic gains associated with its young population if those needs are not addressed. The appeal was made during a national dialogue on equitable investment in children, which focused on how Uganda can build an inclusive demographic dividend.

Commission officials said stronger systems and better budgeting are needed to help children complete primary and secondary school and grow into healthy, skilled and productive adults. Petrah Babirye Isabirye, the EOC’s head of research, monitoring and evaluation, said education and healthcare priorities should be reflected more clearly in public spending. Susan Atukunda, a principal research officer at the commission, said many children still face barriers linked to poverty, malnutrition, limited access to quality services and violence at home and in communities.

The commission argued that protecting children is not only a government responsibility but also one for Parliament, local leaders, parents, communities and the private sector. It warned that weak support for children could contribute to crime, teenage pregnancy, poverty and a less productive workforce.

The report cited Uganda Bureau of Statistics data showing the country has more than 22.7 million children under 18. In broader demographic terms, countries with large youth populations can benefit economically if they invest early in human capital; without that investment, the opportunity may be lost.