Uganda, with a rapidly growing population expected to reach 100 million by 2050, faces significant challenges in urbanization, poverty, and inadequate social services. The Uganda Bureau of Statistics highlights that 8.3 million people live in poverty, with a majority in rural areas. In this context, religious institutions play a crucial role in delivering social and economic services, contributing significantly to the country’s development goals.

Religious institutions in Uganda manage over 45% of health facilities, directly supporting the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) of quality life. They leverage partnerships with the government and civil society to enhance health and child protection services. These institutions influence and strengthen health service delivery, governance, and workforce at the sub-national level, ensuring inclusive and accountable health services. Religious organizations support government efforts in climate change adaptation and mitigation. They utilize their expertise in climate-smart agriculture and collaborate with emerging donors to scale nature-based solutions. These efforts help communities invest in sustainable production systems and diversify incomes. Additionally, religious institutions promote the adoption of climate-smart technologies and data-driven decision-making, strengthening the capacity of farmers, the private sector, and government bodies to address climate change impacts.

In collaboration with the Office of the Prime Minister, local governments, and other key partners, religious institutions strengthen communities in both refugee-hosting and non-hosting districts. Their efforts focus on enhancing the resilience of these communities to survive and thrive amidst disasters. Religious institutions facilitate investments in resilient food systems, unlocking productivity and market access. They establish inclusive business models that connect smallholders to modern value chains, promoting local value addition and diversification. These institutions also leverage digital solutions for market access, certification, and program management, creating jobs and strengthening business ecosystems to support sustainable farming practices. Religious institutions significantly contribute to Uganda’s education sector. Of the 18,889 primary schools surveyed in 2015, 28.3% were Protestant-founded, 24.8% Catholic-founded, and smaller percentages by Muslim and Seventh Day Adventist groups. At the secondary level, Catholic and Protestant schools comprise a significant portion. Furthermore, most of Uganda’s accredited universities are faith-based, highlighting the substantial role of religious organizations in providing quality education.