The Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development and partners are organising the National Childcare Webinar 2025 to elevate childcare as a priority policy area and mobilise stakeholders around shared commitments to strengthen childcare systems, policies, and standards.

Childcare is an essential foundation for early childhood development (ECD), gender equality, and inclusive economic growth. In Uganda, there are more than three million children under age three need childcare, but fewer than 15 per cent access quality, formal services, leaving many children in informal, unregulated arrangements that may be unsafe or developmentally inadequate. Persistent childcare gaps constrain families, especially women, from fully participating in economic activities and contribute to deepening inequalities in early learning and care opportunities.

Uganda’s regulatory framework for centre-based childcare, especially for under-threes, is evolving, with several studies highlighting gaps in availability, affordability, and quality, despite existing policies.

A recent World Bank demand–supply assessment in Kampala and Wakiso revealed that while most childcare providers were centre-based (80%) and had spare capacity, childcare utilisation remains low mainly due to demand-side barriers — notably cost and accessibility — rather than lack of supply. Many providers could enrol more children but services remain out of reach for low-income families.  The same research highlights that only 22% of low-income women entrepreneurs used formal childcare, with 70% citing affordability as the foremost barrier. Yet 95% stated they would use services if they were affordable and accessible, evidencing strong latent demand.

For more information, please click the link below

https://menterprise.africa/national-childcare-webinar-2025-transforming-childcare-in-uganda-strengthening-policies-standards-and-systems-for-better-outcomes/