Children in Uganda continue to face several protection challenges including orphanhood, teenage pregnancy, child labour, an influx of street-connected children, and violence (MGLSD, 2020). The first-ever Uganda National Violence Against Children Survey revealed that more than 76 per cent of children experienced at least one form of violence (MGLSD, 2018).

Most children in Uganda have experienced physical violence that threatens and halts their holistic and positive development. According to UNICEF 2020, 59 per cent of girls and 68 per cent of boys experienced physical violence. Gender-based violence and sexual violence are also pervasive, with some 35 per cent of girls and 17 per cent of boys having experienced sexual violence during childhood.

Girls are especially at risk of child marriage, teenage pregnancy, and female genital mutilation. Today, 4 in 10 women aged 20 to 49 years are married by 18 years, and at least 1 in 4 teenage girls are either pregnant or have a child. Child labour is pervasive, with children mainly working in the informal sector. In rural areas, 93 per cent of children are engaged in agriculture and fishing. According to the Uganda Police Force Report of 2023, 10,741 Childrelated Offences were registered during the year, 8,925 cases of defilement were registered while 3,846 cases of aggravated defilement were brought to the attention of Police, and 4,730 Child neglect cases were reported.