Deadline: 13-Feb-2026

UNICEF Uganda invites organizations to apply for funding to strengthen child protection systems across the country, with a focus on the Central region. The initiative targets birth registration, gender-based violence prevention, family reunification, legal assistance, and emergency response, aiming to ensure that by 2030 all children have their right to protection from violence fully upheld.

Overview

The United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) seeks qualified organizations to implement child protection programs in Uganda. The funding aims to strengthen child protection systems, promote positive behaviors, and improve access to legal, social, and emergency services for children and adolescents. Projects will prioritize a coordinated, system-wide approach, ensuring comprehensive interventions across multiple sectors.

Focus Areas and Thematic Priorities

Key areas for interventions include:

• Geographic Scope: Nationwide implementation, with emphasis on the Central region of Uganda.

• Child Protection Interventions: Birth registration and documentation, family reunification programs, gender-based violence (GBV) prevention and response, legal assistance and access to justice, prevention of crime and violence, child protection in emergencies.

The program aligns with UNICEF’s 2030 outcome goal: ensuring all children and adolescents enjoy protection from all forms of violence in all settings.

Program Goals and Strategic Approach

UNICEF’s Child Protection Programme emphasizes:

1. System Strengthening: Develop and sustain a national child protection system. Ensure mechanisms are functional, accessible, and responsive to vulnerable populations.

2. Institutionalized Multi-Sector Services: Integrate services across health, legal, and social sectors. Promote positive social and gender norms within families and communities.

3. Collaborative Implementation: Work in coordination with government agencies, UN organizations, and NGOs. Use annual workplans to phase interventions over five years, optimizing resources and minimizing duplication.

Who is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include:

• Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)

• Civil society organizations (CSOs)

• Government-affiliated entities with child protection mandates

• Institutions with proven capacity in child protection, GBV, legal aid, or emergency response
  Note: Priority may be given to organizations with a track record in the Central region of Uganda.

Why This Funding Matters

Strengthens the national child protection system. Enhances access to justice, legal aid, and emergency services. Promotes prevention of violence and harmful practices. Supports community-led initiatives to instill positive social and gender norms. Contributes to Uganda’s long-term child protection outcomes by 2030.

How to Apply/How the Program Works

1. Preparation: Review UNICEF Uganda’s funding guidelines and thematic priorities. Assess organizational capacity and previous experience in child protection.

2. Application Submission: Submit proposals detailing project design, objectives, expected outcomes, and implementation plan. Include budget breakdowns and staffing plans.

3. Selection Process: Applications are evaluated based on relevance, feasibility, impact, and sustainability. Shortlisted organizations may be invited for interviews or clarification meetings.

4. Implementation: Projects follow annual workplans coordinated with stakeholders. Interventions are monitored, evaluated, and adapted for effectiveness.

5. Reporting and Accountability: Recipients are required to submit periodic progress reports, including financial and impact reports.

Common Mistakes and Tips

Incomplete applications: Ensure all sections, attachments, and budgets are complete. Lack of alignment: Projects must directly address UNICEF’s thematic priorities. Ignoring local context: Emphasize specific needs of children in the Central region. Weak monitoring plans: Include clear M&E frameworks with measurable indicators. Limited collaboration: Demonstrate coordination with government, NGOs, and UN agencies.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q1: Can international NGOs apply, or only local organizations? A1: Both local and international organizations with experience in Uganda are eligible.
Q2: What is the duration of funded projects? A2: Interventions are phased over five years, guided by annual workplans.
Q3: Are partial funding requests accepted? A3: Proposals should clearly outline the required funding, but UNICEF may negotiate based on available resources.
Q4: What types of interventions are prioritized? A4: Birth registration, family reunification, GBV prevention, legal assistance, crime prevention, and emergency child protection.
Q5: Is collaboration with government agencies required? A5: Yes, projects should coordinate with relevant government institutions to strengthen system-wide impact.
Q6: Can organizations outside the Central region participate? A6: Yes, but projects focusing on the Central region may receive priority consideration.
Q7: How are results monitored and evaluated? A7: Through annual workplans, regular reporting, and multi-stakeholder evaluations, ensuring progress toward 2030 outcomes.

Conclusion

UNICEF Uganda’s funding opportunity provides a strategic platform to strengthen child protection systems, prevent violence, and support vulnerable children and families. By aligning with national priorities, collaborating with key stakeholders, and implementing multi-sectoral interventions, organizations can contribute to a safer, more equitable future for Uganda’s children by 2030.

For more information, visit UN Partner Portal.