Deadline: 02-Jun-2026
The United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) is inviting grant applications to strengthen child protection systems in Uganda. The programme focuses on improving prevention, response services, and multi-sectoral coordination to address violence, exploitation, abuse, and protection risks affecting children, especially in refugee settlements and host communities.
The initiative aims to strengthen integrated child protection systems, improve case management and referral services, and enhance support for vulnerable children and adolescents. The indicative budget for the programme is 530,000.
Programme Focus Areas
The programme supports activities related to:
- Child protection
- Education in emergencies
- Birth registration
- Family reunification
- Legal assistance and access to justice
- Prevention and response to violence and crime
- Protection in emergencies
- Community-based child protection systems
- Social service workforce strengthening
Special emphasis is placed on:
- Case management systems
- Multi-sectoral coordination
- Child-friendly and accessible services
- Protection for vulnerable children
Programme Background
Uganda continues to receive large numbers of refugees and asylum seekers, placing pressure on national protection systems and community services.
As of April 2026:
- Uganda hosts over 2 million refugees
- More than 27,000 new arrivals were recorded
- Around 57% of refugees are children
Many children face risks such as:
- Family separation
- Child labour
- Teenage pregnancy
- School dropout
- Psychological distress
- Disability-related vulnerabilities
- Gender-based violence
Programme Objectives
The initiative aims to:
- Strengthen national and community child protection systems
- Improve integrated protection and referral services
- Enhance coordination between education, health, justice, and social welfare sectors
- Strengthen the social service workforce
- Promote child and adolescent participation
- Reduce violence, exploitation, and harmful practices
Expected Results
Expected outcomes include:
- Stronger child protection systems
- Improved prevention and response services
- Better access to justice and social support
- Increased birth registration and family tracing services
- Enhanced community-based protection mechanisms
- Improved protection for vulnerable children and women
Target Beneficiaries
The programme targets over 10,000 beneficiaries, including:
- More than 7,000 children
- 1,760 adolescents
- Over 1,000 caregivers and adults
- 250 para-social workers
Priority groups include:
- Unaccompanied children
- Child mothers
- Persons with disabilities
- Survivors of gender-based violence
Who is Eligible?
The programme is expected to support organizations working in:
- Child protection
- Humanitarian response
- Refugee support services
- Education and social welfare
- Community development
- Legal and protection services
Applicants should demonstrate experience in integrated child protection and community-based support systems.
Tips for Applicants
Strong proposals should:
- Focus on integrated child protection approaches
- Address refugee and host community needs
- Include community participation strategies
- Demonstrate coordination across sectors
- Prioritize vulnerable children and adolescents
- Present clear protection and referral mechanisms
FAQ
What is the main goal of the programme?
The programme aims to strengthen child protection systems and improve services for vulnerable children in Uganda.
What is the indicative budget?
The indicative budget for the programme is 530,000.
Which sectors are involved?
The initiative supports coordination across education, health, justice, and social welfare sectors.
Who are the main beneficiaries?
Children, adolescents, caregivers, para-social workers, refugees, and vulnerable community members.
What activities are supported?
Activities include child protection services, birth registration, family reunification, legal assistance, case management, and emergency protection support.
Conclusion
The UNICEF Child Protection Grant Programme in Uganda supports efforts to strengthen protection systems for vulnerable children affected by displacement, violence, and social exclusion. Through integrated services, community-based approaches, and multi-sectoral coordination, the initiative aims to improve child safety, wellbeing, and access to essential protection services across refugee and host communities.
For more information, visit UN Partner Portal.