Uganda Flooding: Save the Children

Save the Children Works to Protect Children and Continue Their Education as Flooding Spreads in Uganda

In response to the extreme flooding and its residual effects in north and northeastern Uganda, Save the Children is working to protect children living in the wake of floodwaters and ensure continuation of their education.

Unusually heavy rainfall beginning in August, which affected at least 30 districts in Uganda, uprooted tens of thousands of families and destroyed wells, food crops, schools, hospitals, roads and bridges. An estimated 50,000 households were affected, according to the United Nations.

"This is an ongoing humanitarian crisis that will require sustained efforts to help vulnerable populations — especially children — get through this latest ordeal," said Rudy Von Bernuth, who heads Save the Children's emergency response efforts worldwide. "Children's health and future are at risk."

Save the Children is working to help children continue their education while the country recovers. The agency is constructing 50 temporary classrooms; distributing school materials to 10,000 children; building 300 latrines; and providing 5,000 desks and 100 mobile blackboards to replace damaged furniture. Save the Children is working to establish 16 safe-play areas and 100 child-protection committees.

The agency is also distributing blankets and mosquito nets.

Uganda is one of the worst hit of 17 African countries which endured severe flooding. Across the continent, more then 1.5 million people were affected by the disaster.

Save the Children has been working in Uganda for more than 20 years. The agency also has ongoing relief efforts in the flood-affected South Asian countries of Bangladesh, Indian, Nepal and Pakistan.

You can help Save the Children respond to emergencies that put at great risk the survival, protection, and well-being of significant numbers of children. By contributing to the Children’s Emergency Fund, you enable us to respond immediately to children and families who urgently need our help when disasters strike.