Inspiring Hope & Raising Voices for Ugandans in Need
When 1 in 6 Ugandan children are living with a disability, something needs to change. That’s why we’re here to change that. At Hope Speaks, we provide therapy, advocacy, and social services that give every child a chance to thrive.
Your voice can help raise theirs.
Our Story
In Uganda’s 2024 national census, nearly 1.72 million children between the ages of 2 and 17 were identified as living with a disability. That’s roughly 1 in every 11 children in the country.
The numbers get harder once you look past prevalence and into daily life. More than half of school-age children with disabilities in Uganda are out of school entirely. For kids with communication-related disabilities, the exclusion rate is even higher. Fewer than 1 in 10 young children with a disability have a birth certificate, which means many never even enter the systems meant to support them.
And we believe the real number is higher still.
Census data depends on someone being home, being willing to disclose, and being counted. In communities where disability still carries deep stigma, families sometimes keep a child with a disability out of sight rather than risk judgment from neighbors or even relatives. Invisible disabilities like speech delays, learning differences, or mild developmental conditions often go unrecognized by a brief household survey built to catch the most visible cases. The children most in need of help are often the ones least likely to show up in a count.
This is Part of Why Hope Speaks Exists
National statistics tell us the scale of the need. They don’t tell us about the child kept inside a back room, the toddler whose stutter no one has named yet, or the family who has simply never been asked the right question. That’s the gap our community-based therapists are built to close, one home and one child at a time.
Sources: Uganda National Population and Housing Census 2024, Disability Monograph (UBOS, July 2025); UNICEF.
What We Do
Our Ugandan therapy team reaches into the heart of communities all around Kampala, delivering care and teaching caregivers where it’s needed most. We also train local therapists, offer student internships, and work alongside volunteers in Uganda who share our passion.
Together, we’re equipping communities with the skills, knowledge, and resources to drive meaningful change. You can help make this change happen.
Your Support Creates Real Change
Our non-profit volunteer opportunities and support have enabled us to produce amazing results. But there’s still more to do, and we can’t do it without you. Every child’s progress is a reflection of your generosity.
Where We Make an Impact
We serve where the need is greatest. Of Uganda’s 23 million children, 6.5% under the age of 18 live with a disability. From outreach centers in Katanga and Kasokoso to the most remote villages, our dedicated team goes the distance—traveling to families that need our help.
Our work spans disability-focused organizations and schools throughout Kampala, because no child should be out of reach. Along the way, our efforts have inspired communities, bringing people together to support one another to make a lasting change. Many Ugandan families have welcomed us into their homes, allowing us to work directly with children in their communities and sparking local advocacy for our mission.
Together, We Transformed 2024
Hope is something we create together. Because of you, our charity work in Uganda allows children to access life-changing therapy services, find their voices, and build brighter futures.
The proof is in the progress. Our non-profit volunteer opportunities and support have enabled us to produce amazing results. But there’s still more to do, and we can’t do it without you. Every child’s progress is a reflection of your generosity
6377
Total Sessions Delivered
100+
FAMILIES RECEIVED NUTRITION PACKAGES
NINE
A Letter From Ben & Kari David
Nana’s Journey: Finding Hope Through Therapy
From Struggle to Strength: Zam’s Journey with Hope Speaks
Restoring Strength and Independence: Elijah’s Story
Adrian’s Legacy: How One Child Inspired a Community of Care
Mohamed’s Journey with Speech Therapy
Help Us Raise Voices & Inspire Hope
You can be part of something life-changing.
Whether you give, volunteer in Uganda, or stay connected to our mission, your support helps raise voices that have been silenced for too long. Together, we can build a world where children of all abilities are celebrated and given the chance to thrive. Learn how to donate to Uganda by clicking the button below.