The National Child Policy is in fulfilment of the Government of Uganda’s Constitutional mandate on the welfare of children and also a fulfilment of the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development Mission, “To Mobilize and Empower Communities to harness their potential while, protecting the rights of Vulnerable Population groups”.

The National Child Policy (NCP) demonstrates the commitment by the Government of Uganda to ensure the well-being of all children. It is another big stride in the Country’s efforts to uphold children rights and protect them from all forms of abuse, neglect, exploitation and violence. The Government of Uganda recognizes the critical importance of ensuring children’s four cardinal rights to survival, development, protection and participation through a well-built and coordinated protection system. In addition to focusing on the four cardinal rights, the Policy also recognises the need for a strengthened protection system hence the inclusion of the fifth priority area of system strengthening. The Policy, therefore, provides a National Framework for Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to plan and deliver interventions that address children’s rights holistically. The Policy has an Institutional mechanism to ensure it is implemented in a multi-sectoral and multi-disciplinary manner.

The National Child Policy was developed through a highly participatory process that involved a wide range of stakeholders with very vast knowledge on children at National, Regional, district and community levels. In fulfilment of the right to participation, children were also consulted separately at all levels.