Amid dwindling donor funding, the Catholic Church in Uganda is appealing for Shs 600 million to support 380 impoverished children across the country.
Rt. Rev. Serverus Jjumba, president of Caritas Uganda and Bishop of Masaka Diocese, made the appeal during the launch of the Caritas Uganda annual fundraising drive, set to culminate in a charity dinner on November 28, 2025, at Hotel Africana under the theme ‘Charity is the Heart of Faith.’
“We anticipate charity by preventing poverty and promoting development among the poorest of the poor. Our faith is alive only when it is expressed in love,” Bishop Jjumba said.
For decades, Caritas Uganda, through its 19 diocesan branches, has been at the forefront of promoting charity, integral human development, and institutional growth, serving the poor, the vulnerable, and the marginalised.
The organisation offers emergency relief, supports livelihoods, and promotes the dignity of every person. This year, Caritas Uganda aims to raise Shs 600 million by encouraging at least 10,000 Ugandans to contribute Shs 60,000 each.
The funds will be used to provide education, welfare, and hope to 380 orphans and vulnerable children annually, while also supporting families in crisis.
“Through our diocesan Caritas branches, these resources will make a direct impact on children and families who are in desperate need,” the bishop added.
Last year, public contributions enabled Caritas Uganda to respond to several emergencies and community needs, which included the 372 victims of the Kiteezi landfill tragedy in Kampala and 895 displaced persons in Kasese following devastating floods.
They also provided Christmas packages to Nsambya Babies’ Home, sponsored 11 children from Kotido Diocese with tuition, clothing, food, and counselling and responded to 30 walk-in cases of urgent need.
“These are lives transformed because Ugandans chose to give,” Jjumba said.
Fr Hilary Muheezangango, national director of Caritas Uganda, emphasised the Church’s focus on investing in education as a lasting solution to poverty.
“No matter how much we invest in businesses, if we don’t invest in children’s education, we have done nothing,” he said.
Muheezangango also noted that the Church’s support is not limited to Catholics, but is extended to all Ugandans, with diocesan Caritas teams helping to identify and support needy children regardless of background or faith.
“Several schools are already offering scholarships to vulnerable children through Church partnerships,” he added.
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