The Uganda Women’s Effort to Save Orphans (UWESO) has marked four decades of dedicated service to vulnerable children and communities, as stakeholders convened for the 2026 Annual General Assembly to reflect on its legacy and chart a path forward.
The Assembly brought together government representatives, development partners, and community actors to assess progress made since the organisation’s founding, while reaffirming its commitment to child protection, education, and sustainable community empowerment.
The First Lady and UWESO Patron, Janet Kataaha Museveni, was represented at the event by the Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Thomas Tayebwa, who delivered a message emphasizing the importance of sustained, people-centered interventions.
Participants were reminded of UWESO’s origins, established to respond to the urgent needs of children orphaned by conflict, poverty, and the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Over time, the organisation has evolved into a nationally recognized institution focused not only on care and support, but also on restoring dignity and long-term opportunity for vulnerable populations.
Speakers highlighted UWESO’s shift from relief-based assistance toward models that promote self-reliance. This transition has been driven by investments in skills development, household empowerment, and the strengthening of community-based systems that enable families to sustainably support children in their care.
The Assembly underscored the need to adapt to emerging challenges, particularly in the education sector. Stakeholders called for increased innovation to bridge the digital divide and better equip young people with competencies suited to a rapidly changing global environment. Emphasis was also placed on strengthening resource mobilisation strategies to ensure the organisation’s long-term sustainability.
In addition, participants stressed the importance of maintaining strong institutional values, including integrity, accountability, and service, as critical pillars for continued impact and public trust.
UWESO was widely commended for its enduring contribution to national development through nurturing the capacity, character, and confidence of Uganda’s children and youth. Stakeholders reaffirmed a shared vision of ensuring that every child supported by the organisation is empowered to thrive and make meaningful contributions to society.
As UWESO enters its fifth decade, the Assembly concluded with a renewed commitment to innovation, collaboration, and inclusive growth, positioning the organisation to respond effectively to the evolving needs of Uganda’s most vulnerable communities.
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