COVID-19 and Compassion’s Work in Uganda

An in-depth look at the coronavirus pandemic in Uganda

Last Updated: 07/27/2021

COVID-19 cases in Uganda have fallen to a daily average of 444 as of July 15, down from 1,300 in June. A strict lockdown remains in effect until at least the end of July. Schools are still closed, church services are suspended and travel between districts is currently illegal. As of July 19, Uganda has fully vaccinated just over 1% of its population of 47.1 million people. The country has so far been unable to obtain many vaccine doses, which has contributed to this small number. Uganda is receiving aid from the United States to support its vaccine program.

Most Compassion development centers in Uganda are closed and conducting home visits. Only 27 centers are currently meeting in small groups, and none are fully open. Staff members have been able to distribute over 122,500 food packs and over 514,000 hygiene kits to Compassion-assisted families, and they have provided medical support to over 132,000 individuals.

A Message From National Staff

How Is Compassion Currently Operating in Uganda?

Below, you will find the latest information on how Compassion is currently operating in Uganda, including status updates on center openings, letter delivery and gift delivery. This is the most current information we have, though it can change quickly. Please know that all children and their families are being checked in on regularly by staff, either in person or by phone, even if the Compassion center is not open for programming.

Are Compassion Centers Open?

Most centers in Uganda are currently closed and conducting programming through distance methods only, including phone calls and minimal home visits. A handful of centers are currently able to meet in small groups. Because of the generous support of sponsors and donors, they have been able to distribute over 122,500 food packs and over 514,000 hygiene kits to children and their families!

Are Children Receiving Letters?

Are Gifts Being Delivered?

Gifts continue to be distributed in Uganda. Staff members have been given the option to disburse monetary gifts to an appropriate, verified caregiver, if necessary. This applies to family gifts and child gifts (including birthday and final gifts). Families may spend the gift on whatever they consider most important to meet family needs. The caregiver will be notified whether a gift has been designated as a child gift or family gift. The caregiver will decide the best use of the money, recognizing that sometimes purchasing food or paying rent is in the best interest of a child.

Story From the Field

With schools closed since March 2020, Victor has been hoping and praying he can resume his classes in person again. He was the best student at Omuntu Womunda Child development center in his senior four exams. Every day, he hoped the president would announce that schools would open. As the months went by and the schools remained closed, Victor became anxious and discouraged.

it was challenging. But the Compassion center director, whom he calls Aunt Milly, kept encouraging him. She helped Victor access school websites that provided study guides for his reading. Some of these websites even had videos that made it easier for Victor to understand the work. Others had instructions that Victor could print or photocopy and he was able to use the internet at the center anytime he needed it.

“[At first] I felt helpless. I spent two days without reading but later I remembered Aunt Milly saying, 'Keep moving, keep going'. I asked myself, why relax? Even though they don’t open schools now, when they open I will be ahead of the class and it will be to my advantage,” says Victor.

How can I pray for Uganda?

Pray for families in communities where outbreaks have been reported. Pray that God will calm their fears and local clinics will be able to care for them well. For more prayer resources, visit Compassion’s COVID-19 prayer page for prayer guides and a virtual prayer wall.

How Can I Help?

Sponsor a Child in Uganda

Give to Compassion's Critical Program Needs Fund

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