The Kingdom of Buganda, through its investment arm Buganda Investment and Commercial Undertaking Ltd (BICUL), has signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) to strengthen efforts to improve the welfare, protection, and rights of over 4.2 million children in the Buganda region.
The agreement, signed at the Buganda Parliament in Mengo, marks the start of a long-term collaboration that leverages the Kingdom’s cultural influence and community networks alongside UNICEF’s global expertise in child rights and development.
Grounded in the Buganda principle of “Bulungi Bwansi” working for the common good the partnership aims to promote the holistic well-being of every child, ensuring their right to survive, thrive, and reach their full potential.
The Katikkiro of Buganda, Owek. Charles Peter Mayiga, highlighted the Kingdom’s commitment to securing the future of its children, noting that effective child welfare is foundational to community development. The partnership will expand the Kingdom’s reach through community-based programs, cultural leadership, and media platforms to drive positive behavioural change and enhance service delivery across Buganda.
The MoU outlines four key areas of cooperation aligned with national and global child rights priorities:
Child Survival: Scaling up immunisation, improving nutrition, and using Kingdom media to disseminate life-saving health messages.
Quality Education: Removing barriers to schooling, promoting Early Childhood Development (ECD), supporting re-enrollment campaigns, and strengthening youth engagement through Kabaka Youth Councils.
Child Protection: Collaborating with community leaders to eliminate child abuse, gender-based violence, child marriage, and adolescent pregnancies, while reinforcing birth registration systems.
Behavioral Change and Empowerment: Encouraging positive social attitudes and giving children platforms to voice concerns and advocate for their rights.
Dr. Robin Nandy, UNICEF’s Representative in Uganda, praised the Kingdom’s proactive approach and reaffirmed UNICEF’s commitment to accountability and collaboration. He emphasised that the MoU represents a promise to the children of Buganda and Uganda, ensuring that resources invested translate into tangible improvements in their lives.
A Joint Steering Committee will oversee the implementation of the MoU, monitoring progress, evaluating outcomes, and documenting successful models that can be scaled or replicated nationwide.
Both parties expressed optimism that this collaboration will serve as a model of partnership between cultural institutions and international organisations, demonstrating how shared values and coordinated action can transform the lives of children and families across Uganda.