The recently released Uganda Demographic and Health Survey 2022 paints a concerning picture of the challenges faced by Uganda's youth. The nation's population has reached an estimated 45.9 million, with children aged 0-17 years constituting half of this figure.

Despite progress, many young Ugandans continue to confront significant hardships. The under-five mortality rate stands alarmingly high at 52 deaths per 1,000 live births, and an alarming 26% of children under five suffer from stunting due to malnutrition.

Furthermore, access to quality education remains a pressing issue, with only 41% of children completing primary school. These challenges are particularly acute in Uganda's rural communities, where resources and opportunities are more scarce.

Ugandan children continue to face alarming rates of violence, exploitation, and abuse, with widespread persistence of harmful practices like child labor and child marriage. A staggering 34% of women aged 20-24 were married before reaching 18. The ongoing refugee crisis has further exacerbated the situation, leaving many vulnerable children in urgent need of humanitarian aid and protection.