About us
All children in Uganda enjoying their rights, being protected and cared for and having equal opportunities to realize their full potential.
To end violence against children in Uganda through capacity building, advocacy, psycho-social and legal support.
- To increase awareness on the negative effects of sexual violence and influence change on related policies.
- To protect children and increase community response to any harmful forms of violence against children.
- To increase psycho social and legal support for children.
- Increase enrollment, retention and achieved learning outcomes of children in schools.
- Reduced number of children especially girls getting married before the age of 18.
All children in Uganda enjoying their rights, being protected and cared for and having equal opportunities to realize their full potential.
To end violence against children in Uganda through capacity building, advocacy, psycho-social and legal support.
- To increase awareness on the negative effects of sexual violence and influence change on related policies.
- To protect children and increase community response to any harmful forms of violence against children.
- To increase psycho social and legal support for children.
- Increase enrollment, retention and achieved learning outcomes of children in schools.
- Reduced number of children especially girls getting married before the age of 18.
WHO WE ARE
Joy for Children Uganda (JFCU) is a Ugandan based non-profit children’s rights organization, established in 2006 and duly registered with the National Bureau of NGOs (Reg. No. INDR66874691NB). We champion children’s rights based on the principles of non-discrimination, participation, best interests of the child, and the rights to life, survival, and development.
We believe that every child deserves a life free from violence and exploitation, with access to quality education, and enjoying economic security, and benefits from essential services such as healthcare, nutrition, and clean water.
Over the years, JFCU has played a leading role in addressing critical issues affecting children, including child marriage, child labor, and harmful cultural and traditional practices. We actively advocate for progressive child protection laws and policies while
promoting innovative approaches that uplift and protect children in Uganda.
OUR EXPERTISE
Over the past 20 years, we have greatly impacted the lives of 156,393 children and transformed 1,027 communities across Uganda. We currently operate in the Districts of Kabarole, Kampala, Bundibugyo, Buliisa, Kyenjojo, Kyegegwa, Kamwenge, Bunyangabu, Kakumiro, Kibaale, Kikuube, Ntoroko, Masindi, Kiryandongo, Hoima, Kitagwenda, Kasese, and Kagadi, with administrative offices in Kampala (headquarters), Kabarole, Kikuube, Lira, and Kiryadongo.
From working directly with grassroot communities in the most rural parts of the country, to advocacy at national and international level, JFCU acts as a bridge. We provide project implementation & services for international and national organizations who require local knowledge & expertise from a trusted Partner who also understands & works in the global development arena.
IMPACT AND KEY ACHIEVEMENTS
JFCU has played a key role in advancing the Sexual Offences Bill and the Marriage Bill through consultative meetings, technical input, collaboration with Members of Parliament, and pre-legislative engagement to assess community impact. The organization has worked closely with the Uganda Parliamentary Forum for Children (UPFC) and the Uganda Women Parliamentary Association (UWOPA) to advocate for increased budget allocations for child rights.
Through these efforts, JFCU has supported legislative processes by contributing to redrafting, identifying supportive MPs, and providing training aligned with the United Nations General Assembly 2020 Resolution on child, early, and forced marriage. These engagements have contributed to both Bills progressing through their first and second readings in Parliament.
With support from the Finnish NGO Foundation, JFCU strengthened community based child protection systems in the Rwenzori and Toro regions, leading to increased reporting of child abuse and improved coordination among stakeholders.
In education, over 1,500 teachers were trained in positive discipline and social emotional learning using the Good School Toolkit, reducing corporal punishment and improving teacher student relationships.
We have conducted research along the Kamwenge–Fort Portal road corridor and highlighted GBV and VAC risks linked to infrastructure projects, informing policy advocacy and integration of social safeguards.
Through legal advocacy and coalition-building, JFCU has contributed to combating child marriage and strengthening stakeholder collaboration. Our SCOPE programme improved access to social protection services and enhanced household resilience.
Additionally, our NERAMP project in North-Eastern Uganda and Kitgum District addressed GBV and VAC in road and mining contexts by establishing reporting mechanisms, strengthening survivor support services, and increasing accountability
PROGRAM AREAS
Community Systems Strengthening
JFCU collaborates with the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, Ministry of Education and Sports, cultural and religious institutions, schools, and local leaders to strengthen child protection systems. Under this program, we have supported the development and renewal of the National Strategy to End Child Marriage and Teenage Pregnancy (2022/2023–2026/2027).
Child Education Rights
JFCU has supported 104 children with school fees and materials. Of these, 40% have completed higher education and 10% are now employed.
Child Psychosocial and Legal Support
Through partnerships with pro bono organizations, JFCU has supported 723 children and women with legal aid, referred 345 cases of gender-based violence (GBV) and violence against children (VAC), and provided psychosocial support to 724 beneficiaries. The organization offers holistic care addressing both emotional and legal needs of survivors.
Child Rights Advocacy
Since 2018, JFCU has organized 8 annual events enabling children to advocate for their rights and engage directly with policymakers, peers, and development partners. These initiatives empower communities to promote and defend child rights while holding duty bearers accountable.
Institutional Development
Guided by its Strategic Plan (2023–2028), JFCU strengthens internal systems through improved data management, organizational reviews, staff capacity building, and expanded youth and volunteer engagement to enhance outreach and effectiveness
Projects
We have a rich history of creating our own projects that rely on innovative approaches to solving long-standing, entrenched social & economic problems. We believe that problems are best solved by involving those directly living the issues, and in building action-oriented partnerships based on trust and mutual cooperation to achieve new goals.
As an organization, we have served as change leaders on a number of societal issues that impact children. We aim to change out-dated paradigms & usher in new ways that benefit and elevate all through our ‘can-do-it’ spirit.
For more information about our projects, click here
Would you love to be part of the JFCU story? Learn more on how to get involved in different areas.
We support children from poor and vulnerable backgrounds to enroll, keep in school and complete their education.