KAMPALA.
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has launched new humanitarian programmes under the Unicef /UMSC Programme Cooperation Agreement.
The initiative aims to improve early childhood education and strengthen governance in Muslim communities. This new timely initiative is extended to the UMSC as a special tribute for the successful implementation for the previous programmes.
According to Haj Muhmood Kateregga Namuguzi, the Unicef /UMSC National Programme coordinator, the programme focuses on increasing access to quality early childhood education. It targets children aged 0–8 years, covering nursery education and preparation classes for Primary One-Primary Two .
It also aims at enhancing knowledge and skills in child care for Muslim community leaders, teachers in Muslim schools, and the wider public. Additionally, it seeks to align Muslim governance structures with local government systems to improve children’s learning.
The programme will be implemented by faith-based organisations, including the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC), the Anglican Church, and the Catholic Church, in refugee-hosting districts. UMSC has identified Madi Muslim District, Yumbe Muslim District, Kiryandongo, and Bunyoro Muslim District (Kikuube) as key areas of focus.
Haj Kateregga further revealed that Unicef will support the construction of 16 Early Childhood Development Centres (ECDCs), with four in each designated district. The initiative includes building 16 playgrounds, training teachers in various colleges, and strengthening the capacity of 3,000 mosque Imams. It will also train 24,000 parents on child protection and reporting abuse.
Additionally, the programme provides play kits for young learners and translated Friday sermons (Khutbahs) on child care. These sermons, based on the Koran and the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him), will be available in Arabic, French, Aringa, Madi, Runyoro, and Rutoro. The programme also offers allowances for personnel and equips them with resource mobilization skills
The initiative is expected to benefit over 3,600 children, including refugees and those with special needs. Meanwhile, reports from Hoima Oil City confirm that Haj Kateregga arrived safely after traveling last night. On Thursday morning,
February 3, 2025, he handed over donated materials including tents to Muslim community leaders led by Sheikh Rajab Mugenyi Timbuktu, the Khadi of Bunyoro Muslim District. These items will be distributed to refugee families in Kikuube District .