Our Work

Kayima Sadiki Kayima Sadiki, who has been blind for over 20 years, talks to a class in Kamuli District © Rachel Heald / Sightsavers

Kayima Sadiki Kayima Sadiki, who has been blind for over 20 years, talks to a class in Kamuli District © Rachel Heald / Sightsavers

Uganda

Since the end of the civil war, Uganda has been transformed into a politically stable country with one of the fastest growing economies in the world, but the poorest 20% of Ugandans have benefited the least.

Sightsavers in Uganda

Sightsavers began working in Uganda in 1952, but our operations were severely curtailed during the oppression and civil conflict between 1971-86. With the restoration of peace, we were able to help to re-establish eye care services.

Working with local partners we've introduced a sustainable system which links up eye care, education and rehabilitation services in Uganda. We also support the distribution of the drug Mectizan® to help prevent river blindness.

As with many African countries there is a massive shortage of health care professionals - only five doctors per 100,000 people. Sightsavers is helping to deal with this problem by training local people to work in eye care. We also introduced the idea of including children who are blind or visually impaired into the education system.


A Model Teacher







Mirembes Story







Living with glaucoma in Uganda