national 7 October 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Archbishop Ssemogerere Urges Government to Fund Babies' Homes
Kampala Catholic Archbishop Paul Ssemogerere is calling on the Ugandan government to include babies' homes in the national budget, arguing that state responsibility should not be left solely to religious institutions and private donors. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/don-t-leave-babies-homes-to-churches-archbishop-ssemogerere-tells-govt-5623364
Archbishop Paul Ssemogerere of Kampala has strongly advocated for the Ugandan government to provide financial support for babies’ homes across the nation. He stressed that the responsibility for the welfare of abandoned and orphaned children should not fall exclusively on churches and individuals, especially given that Ugandan citizens pay taxes.
“When we do this work, we represent the government and the government should have a budget for this… they should have the responsibility to come and assist,” Archbishop Ssemogerere stated during a fundraising event for Kankobe Children’s Home. He pointed out that while the government sets guidelines for these facilities, it has largely failed to offer crucial financial assistance.
The Archbishop emphasized that these homes should not have to depend on sporadic fundraising and donations to sustain their operations. He argued that children abandoned through no fault of their own should benefit from the public funds collected through taxes, managed by the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development.
Archbishop Ssemogerere pledged to collaborate with fellow religious leaders to engage government officials, aiming to ensure that national budget allocations adequately cover the needs of children in care. He also commended the dedication of the reverend sisters in providing care for these vulnerable infants.
The fundraising initiative, dubbed Ekyoto Uganda, launched by Ronny Sinini, founder of Little Laika, seeks to support Nsambya Babies’ Home and Kankobe Children’s Home. Sinini highlighted the need for collective responsibility among Ugandans in caring for disadvantaged children, advocating for a culture of consistent giving to foster national transformation.
Peter Lwanga Mayanja, a probation and social welfare officer, added that a dedicated vehicle would aid in reuniting children with their families and encouraged adoption. “We also call upon parents to come and you adopt these children. So please come, we give you this child and you treat this child as your own. These children are a blessing to you. They will bless you in your everyday life,” he urged.