Advocating for policies, laws and systems that protect children, promote justice and create equal opportunities for every community.
of Ugandans live below the national poverty line.
of children experience multidimensional poverty.
of Uganda's population is below 15 years of age.
Children and vulnerable communities continue to face barriers that limit their ability to enjoy their fundamental rights. Poverty, discrimination, violence, limited access to justice, unequal educational opportunities, inadequate healthcare, and weak enforcement of child protection laws continue to affect millions of Ugandans.
According to the Uganda National Household Survey (2023), approximately 20% of Ugandans live below the national poverty line, with children being disproportionately affected by deprivation in education, nutrition, healthcare, and protection. UNICEF further estimates that more than half of Uganda's children experience multidimensional poverty, meaning they lack access to several essential services required for healthy development.
Valizo Foundation believes that lasting change requires more than providing services. It requires influencing the systems, policies, and institutions that shape people's lives. The Foundation therefore promotes advocacy that amplifies the voices of children, young people, women, persons with disabilities, and vulnerable communities to ensure that their rights are recognised, protected, and fulfilled.
Through evidence-based advocacy, public awareness campaigns, stakeholder engagement, research, and strategic partnerships, Valizo Foundation works to influence policies, strengthen accountability, and promote inclusive development so that every child has an equal opportunity to thrive.
Many violations of children's rights continue simply because families and communities are unaware of the protections provided under Uganda's Constitution, the Children Act, and international human rights conventions. Lack of awareness often prevents vulnerable children from accessing justice, education, healthcare, and social protection services.
According to the Uganda Bureau of Statistics, approximately 45% of Uganda's population is below the age of 15, making child protection one of the country's highest development priorities. Investing in children's rights today contributes directly to Uganda's future social and economic development.
Valizo Foundation conducts community awareness campaigns that educate parents, caregivers, schools, religious leaders, cultural institutions, and local governments about child rights, safeguarding, disability inclusion, gender equality, and positive parenting. Through school outreach programmes, media campaigns, community dialogues, and youth engagement initiatives, the Foundation empowers communities to identify rights violations early and respond collectively.
Strong legislation alone cannot protect vulnerable children unless those laws are effectively implemented and enforced. Weak institutional capacity, limited public awareness, and barriers to accessing justice continue to leave many vulnerable children without adequate protection.
Valizo Foundation works alongside government ministries, local governments, civil society organisations, legal professionals, development partners, and community leaders to advocate for stronger policies that improve education, healthcare, child protection, gender equality, disability inclusion, and social justice.
Where necessary, the Foundation supports strategic litigation and legal advocacy that seeks to establish legal precedents capable of protecting the rights of many vulnerable people beyond individual cases. The Foundation also promotes transparency, citizen participation, and accountability by encouraging communities to actively engage with leaders responsible for delivering public services.
Through research, policy engagement, public awareness campaigns, community mobilisation, and legal advocacy, Valizo Foundation contributes to building a Uganda where justice is accessible, human rights are respected, and every child has the opportunity to realise their full potential.
"Real and lasting change happens when communities understand their rights, raise their voices, and work together to hold institutions accountable."
"Advocacy transforms individual voices into collective action that changes lives."