Healthy Children.
Vibrant Young People.
Bright Lives.

Healthy Child Uganda (HCU) started in 2003, led by Ugandans who wanted to improve health in communities near Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST). Over two decades, we’ve grown into a strong global team focused on improving health, training, and research for mothers, babies, children, and youth.

HCU brings together Ugandan and Canadian partners united by a shared goal: better health for mothers, children, and youth. Our field and research work is led by Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST) in collaboration with District Health Teams, schools, and community leaders. Canadian universities, led by the Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, and the Canadian Paediatric Society (CPS) provide expertise, mentorship, and research support, working closely with Ugandan academic and community partners.

In Uganda, HCU is led by Dr. Hamson Kanyesigye (who succeeded Dr. Jerome Kabakenga in 2024) and Ms. Teddy Kyomuhangi, Senior Manager. In Canada, a team based at the University of Calgary’s Cumming School of Medicine contributes to management and research. Ugandan and Canadian advisors guide curriculum development, strategic direction, and training. HCU actively engages with district and national health leaders through regular meetings and participation on national working groups, ensuring alignment with Uganda’s health priorities.

Healthy Child Uganda (HCU) operates across southwestern Uganda, including the districts of Bushenyi, Rubirizi, Ntungamo, Buhweju, Rwampara, and Mbarara.
Our initiatives reach several million people living in rural and semi-rural communities where poverty and health challenges remain high. The main Ugandan office is based at Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST).

In Canada, HCU supports advocacy, research, and engagement through university and Canadian Paediatric Society (CPS) networks. The Canadian office is located at the University of Calgary’s Health Sciences campus.

Our work at Healthy Child Uganda (HCU) is possible thanks to the generosity of our partners and funders.

Support comes from research and project grants, in-kind contributions from communities, districts, and institutions, and donations from Canadian supporters.

Our recent adolescent health programming (HAY!) was funded by the Government of Canada through Global Affairs Canada.

HCU activities have led to results. Key documented impact in communities:

• Fewer children dying from preventable diseases

• Fewer unplanned teen pregnancies

• Women feeling more empowered

• More fathers involved in parenting

• Hundreds of income-generating projects

• More newborns surviving

• More girls staying in school

• Safer pregnancies and childbirth for women

• Less family violence, rape

• Children with special needs getting life-changing care

• Communities creating solutions from their own resources

• Mama Toto

• Mama na Mtoto

• Community Owned Resource Persons

• Special Child Program