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The Government of Iceland has partnered with UNICEF, contributing $1 million to empower teenage mothers aged 12–19 and their children aged 0–5 in Uganda’s Kyegegwa and Kikuube districts. Over 18 months, the program will provide education, vocational training, childcare, and protection services, targeting vulnerable communities.

The Government of Iceland has contributed $1 million to UNICEF to support adolescent mothers and their children in Uganda. The 18-month partnership aims to improve access to protection, education, health, childcare, and skilling services, targeting vulnerable communities in Kyegegwa and Kikuube districts in the Western Region.

The funding will provide multi-sectoral and inclusive social protection for teenage mothers aged 12–19 years and their children aged 0–5 years. Over 1,000 adolescent mothers will benefit from vocational training or return to school, while 2,000 children will access early childhood education.

Speaking at the signing ceremony in Kampala, Iceland’s Head of Mission, Hildigunnur Engilbertsdóttir, emphasized the program’s transformative potential. “Iceland is committed to empowering young mothers to enable them to learn, acquire skills, and be protected from harmful practices,” she said. “Conditional cash transfers linked to early learning and childcare services will help mothers return to school or find employment while alleviating childcare burdens.”

Dr. Robin Nandy, UNICEF Representative to Uganda, highlighted the broader impact of the initiative. “This agreement signifies the shared commitment of UNICEF and the Government of Iceland to prioritize the needs of children and communities in Uganda,” he said. “Every child deserves a fair chance at a brighter future, and today’s partnership brings us closer to achieving that goal.”

The program will introduce innovative, low-cost early childhood education models, mobile development units, and disability-inclusive kits for hard-to-reach communities. Additionally, 1,200 teenage mothers will receive parenting training, 7,000 children will be screened for disabilities, and 1,000 children will have their births registered.

Since 2019, Iceland and UNICEF have collaborated to improve water, sanitation, and hygiene in schools and health facilities in refugee-hosting districts. This new initiative builds on that partnership by focusing on holistic and sustainable solutions to empower communities and contribute to Uganda’s progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals.

This collaboration underscores the critical importance of investing in adolescent mothers and their children to create lasting change for future generations in Uganda.