Facts About Uganda

Oli otya! That’s how you say “hello” in Luganda, one of the most commonly spoken languages in Uganda. This country is known as the “Pearl of Africa” for its beautiful landscapes and vibrant culture. Learn more facts about Uganda here.

A lush green landscape with trees and fills in front of a blue cloud-filled sky.

5 Facts About Uganda

Here are some fun facts about Uganda:

Map of Africa with Uganda highlighted in blue

Where Is Uganda Located?

Uganda is located in East Africa. Uganda is bordered by five other countries: Sudan, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. 

Key Challenges in Uganda & Our Response

Uganda is known for its many unique cultures and lush landscapes. However, Uganda is also home to children living in devastating poverty, and they face serious challenges that Compassion is fighting back against. 

Natural Disasters Threaten Children  

Many regions in Africa, including Uganda, regularly face disasters. For example, the Karamoja region of Uganda is no stranger to poor growing seasons. Other regions face flooding during the rainy season that destroys homes and crops. 

When these disasters strike, children face exposure to the elements, severe hunger and emotional trauma. 

Our Response: Caring for Children & Communities Facing Crises 

Compassion partners with local churches throughout these African communities to provide emergency food and water, temporary shelter, counseling, medical care and future disaster preparedness training to children and families. 

Crises like natural disasters often push children and families further into poverty. But by providing both short-term and long-term care, we help them stay on track toward escaping its grip. 

Malnutrition & Lack of Medical Care Cause Preventable Deaths 

Recent data shows that sub-Saharan Africa has the highest rate of infant mortality in the world at 27 deaths per 1,000 live births. Malnutrition and a lack of quality medical care for moms and their babies is a large part of the problem. 

Our Response: Delivering Nutrition & Medical Care to Mothers & Babies 

Compassion’s local church partners provide care to mothers and babies through our Survival programs. These programs offer pregnant moms access to important health services and support like prenatal vitamins, food packets and checkups. 

Survival programs also cover delivery costs and provide emotional support for families during childbirth. Support continues through the child’s first year of life, until they’re eligible to receive long-term care through child sponsorship. 

This care ensures moms and babies have what they need to not just survive but thrive together.

Our Impact in Uganda

Compassion has served children and families in Uganda for over four decades. In this time, we’ve helped release thousands of children from poverty through child sponsorship. 

Data as of: September 16, 2026

161,337

children served (and counting).

491

churches serving.

46

years serving

A woman stands in a field while looking toward the landscape.

Abandoned for Christ, Loved by the Church

Hajarah and her children were abandoned by her husband after she became a Christian. They were left sick, homeless and hopeless until the local church stepped in. 

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Compassion Alumna Rescues Ugandan Girls From Abuse

As a child, Doreen experienced the heartbreak of poverty. Wanting to serve God and give back to her community, she now runs an organization in Uganda that saves girls from trafficking and abuse. 

How You Can Help Vulnerable Children in Uganda

You can help Compassion fight back against child poverty in Uganda in three key ways:

Pray

Jeremiah 33:3 says that if we call on God, he will answer us. When we lift up children living in poverty, God hears us, and we can trust he’s working on their behalf. Join us in praying daily for children living in poverty by becoming a prayer partner.

Donate

Children living in poverty face many challenges, from a lack of medical care to dangerous living conditions. You can provide immediate support by donating to fulfill a right-now need.

Sponsor a Child

By sponsoring a child, you empower a local church to share the gospel by meeting the needs of a child’s body, mind and spirit. Through sponsorship, you’ll help deliver medical care, hygiene training, education, malnutrition monitoring and so much more to a child in need.