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UNICEF Launches Open Call for Nutrition Programme 2026–2030 (Uganda)

Deadline: 31-Mar-2026

UNICEF invites expressions of interest for the Government of Uganda (GoU)-UNICEF Nutrition Programme 2026–2030. The programme focuses on improving child, adolescent, and maternal nutrition, preventing and treating malnutrition, and strengthening nutrition systems across Uganda, with particular attention to vulnerable populations.

Overview of the Nutrition Programme

The GoU-UNICEF Nutrition Programme 2026–2030 addresses gaps in diets and nutrition practices among children, adolescents, and women of reproductive age. The programme targets undernutrition, stunting, wasting, anemia, and overweight or obesity, and seeks to improve care and treatment coverage for children with wasting through strengthened health system capacity for identification, referral, and treatment. Despite progress in reducing stunting over the past three decades, approximately 2 million children remain affected due to high population growth and persistent malnutrition drivers including child food poverty, poor dietary diversity, inadequate care practices, and limited access to quality services. Nutrition challenges are particularly severe in the Karamoja region and refugee settlements such as Kyaka II, where stunting prevalence reaches 55.4%. Adolescents and adult women face high rates of anemia and rising overweight and obesity prevalence. Climate shocks, food insecurity, and a failing food system exacerbate these issues nationwide.

Programme Objectives and Focus Areas

The Nutrition Sub-Programme has two main outputs:

Output 1: Strengthening Nutrition Systems and Policies

  • Improve equitable, affordable diets and nutrition services for children, adolescents, and women, including those with disabilities

  • Build capacity within health systems and local governments to provide quality nutrition services

  • Develop policies and interventions in coordination with government, UN partners, and NGOs

Output 2: Prevention and Treatment of Child Wasting

  • Ensure early detection and equitable access to care for children with wasting

  • Integrate interventions into both development and emergency contexts

  • Monitor and report on key nutrition indicators to track progress
    Focus areas include:

  • Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF)

  • Malnutrition prevention and treatment

  • Micronutrient supplementation and general nutrition

  • Nutrition in emergencies

Who is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include:

  • Government agencies

  • UN partner organizations

  • Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) working in nutrition, health, and humanitarian sectors
    Applicants should demonstrate:

  • Expertise in nutrition programmes targeting children, adolescents, and women

  • Capacity to implement interventions in development and emergency contexts

  • Ability to coordinate with government systems and other partners to avoid duplication

Key Challenges Addressed

  • High rates of undernutrition, stunting, and wasting among children under five

  • Anemia and increasing overweight/obesity among adolescents and adult women

  • Limited access to quality nutrition services in remote, underserved, and refugee areas

  • Weak multi-sectoral coordination, limited monitoring systems, and shortages of nutrition professionals

Expected Outcomes by 2030

  • Improved survival, health, and nutrition for newborns, children under five, adolescents, and women during and after pregnancy

  • Increased coverage of adequate diets for children aged 6–23 months

  • Reduced prevalence of wasting and stunting among children under five

  • Enhanced nutrition systems and equitable access to services for vulnerable populations

How to Apply / What to Do

  1. Submit Expression of Interest (EOI): Include organizational profile, technical expertise, and experience in nutrition programmes

  2. Demonstrate Capacity: Show ability to implement and monitor interventions in both development and emergency settings

  3. Coordinate with Partners: Ensure alignment with government agencies, UN partners, and NGOs to leverage resources and avoid duplication

  4. Provide Evidence-Based Plans: Include strategies to reach vulnerable populations and key performance indicators for nutrition outcomes

Why It Matters

  • Addresses persistent malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies in Uganda

  • Strengthens health and nutrition systems for children, adolescents, and women

  • Ensures equitable access to care for the most vulnerable populations, including refugees and persons with disabilities

  • Supports the Government of Uganda in achieving national nutrition targets under the National Development Plan IV

Common Mistakes & Tips

  • Lack of alignment with GoU priorities or UNICEF programme objectives

  • Insufficient evidence of capacity to implement interventions at scale

  • Poor coordination with government or partner organizations

  • Failure to provide measurable indicators or clear workplans

  • Overlooking emergency nutrition and high-risk populations

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Who can submit an EOI for the programme? Government agencies, UN partners, and NGOs with experience in nutrition programmes targeting children, adolescents, and women.
2. What are the programme’s key focus areas? Infant and young child feeding, malnutrition prevention and treatment, micronutrients, general nutrition, and nutrition in emergencies.
3. Which populations are targeted? Newborns, children under five, adolescents, and women of reproductive age, with special focus on vulnerable groups including refugees and disabled persons.
4. What are the key indicators for measuring success? Percentage of children aged 6–23 months receiving adequate food groups; prevalence of wasting and stunting among children under five.
5. Does the programme cover emergency and development contexts? Yes, interventions are designed to operate in both development and emergency settings.
6. How does coordination work with other stakeholders? Projects must align with government policies and collaborate with UN partners and NGOs to leverage expertise and avoid duplication.
7. What is the programme’s geographic focus? All regions of Uganda, with special attention to Karamoja, refugee settlements, and high-risk areas for malnutrition.

Conclusion

The GoU-UNICEF Nutrition Programme 2026–2030 provides a coordinated, multi-sectoral approach to combat malnutrition, stunting, wasting, and micronutrient deficiencies in Uganda. By strengthening nutrition systems, improving service coverage, and targeting vulnerable populations, the programme aims to ensure the survival, health, and well-being

For more information, visit UN Partner Portal.