Uganda is located in East Africa and has a population of approximately 45 million people. It is one of the youngest countries in the world, with more than 75% of the population under the age of 30 and nearly half under the age of 18.
Despite economic growth in recent years, poverty and vulnerability remain widespread. National statistics show that millions of children live in households struggling to meet basic needs such as food, healthcare, education, and safe housing. Uganda also hosts over 1.6 million refugees, one of the largest refugee populations in Africa, placing additional pressure on communities and public services.
While primary school enrollment is high due to Universal Primary Education, completion rates remain a challenge. Many children drop out due to poverty, child labor, teenage pregnancy, family instability, or lack of scholastic materials. Youth unemployment is also high, especially in urban areas, leaving many young people without stable income opportunities.
It is within this national context that M-LISADA works, supporting vulnerable children, youth, and women through protection from violence and trauma, education support, and life skills development. Music-based empowerment serves a critical role in this support, building skills of self-reliance, interpersonal unity, and resilience.
Kampala is Uganda’s capital city and economic center. The city has an estimated population of over 1.7 million people, with more than 4 million in the greater metropolitan area. Rapid urban growth has led to significant expansion of informal settlements, where over half of the city’s residents are estimated to live.
Many families in these communities rely on informal employment and unstable daily income. Overcrowding, limited sanitation, and restricted access to essential services increase vulnerability for children and youth.
Although Kampala has better access to schools compared to rural districts, children from low-income urban households still face high risks of school dropout and poor learning outcomes. Poverty, family breakdown, and migration from rural areas contribute to the presence of street-connected children within the city.
In Kampala, M-LISADA focuses on structured support for vulnerable children and youth, promoting education participation, psychosocial wellbeing, life skills development, and music as a tool for healing and confidence building.
Luweero District is a largely rural area located north of Kampala. Many households depend on subsistence farming and small-scale trade for survival. Rural poverty levels remain significant and access to quality education and youth development opportunities can be limited.
School dropout remains a concern in parts of Luweero, particularly among boys engaged in informal labor and girls affected by early pregnancy or domestic responsibilities. Families often struggle with limited income, which directly impacts children’s access to scholastic materials and stable learning environments.
In Luweero, M-LISADA works within the community to encourage school participation, strengthen youth life skills, and support vulnerable families through structured child- and youth-focused programs.
Kalangala District is located on the Ssese Islands in Lake Victoria. Due to its island geography, transportation and access to services such as education, healthcare, and child protection systems is more limited compared to mainland districts.
Economic activity in Kalangala largely depends on fishing and small-scale trade. Seasonal income patterns and mobility can affect family stability and school attendance. Children and youth in island communities often face higher risks of school dropout and teenage pregnancy and have limited access to structured youth engagement opportunities.
In Kalangala, M-LISADA works alongside communities to support vulnerable children and youth through education engagement, life skills programs, and psychosocial support initiatives.
Across Kampala, Luweero, and Kalangala, M-LISADA is committed to:
Supporting vulnerable children to remain in school.
Strengthening psychosocial wellbeing.
Providing life skills and practical empowerment
Engaging youth through music and creative expression
Supporting women as key pillars of family stability
We believe transformation happens when communities are strengthened, children are protected, and young people are equipped with skills and hope for the future.
