Zombo, Uganda: Haven for Humanity-Uganda, a community-based organization in Zombo, has rolled out a district-wide fundraising and awareness campaign in the district to tackle the escalating threat of child malnutrition, which currently affects more than one-third of children under five years in the area.
Serving a population of over 300,000 residents, the organization says its new initiative seeks to bridge a widening funding gap that has forced several of its community nutrition programs to scale down after donor withdrawal.
Speaking at a press conference on October 12, 2025, at Daudi Courts in Paidha Town Council, Executive Director Gladies Orombi said malnutrition has reached alarming levels, citing the need for urgent community mobilization and sustained funding to continue serving vulnerable families.
“We’re facing a financial gap and cannot sustain our programs without immediate assistance,” Orombi said, announcing a local fundraising drive to be presided over by His Majesty Ubimu Philliph Rauni Ularker III, the King of Alur, with the date to be confirmed.
Despite Zombo’s fertile soils and abundant crops such as matooke, avocados, cassava, beans, maize, and groundnuts, the district continues to record high levels of stunted growth and child undernutrition.
A community-centred action
Since its establishment in 2021, Haven for Humanity-Uganda has supported 721 malnourished children and reached more than 7,000 community members through integrated interventions focusing on health, nutrition, economic empowerment, and psychosocial support.
The organization leverages Village Health Teams (VHTs) across Abanga, Athuma, Paidha Town Council, and Paidha Sub-County to deliver community-based services such as case identification, home care, medical referrals, and nutrition education.
Nutritionist and public health advocate Fancy Auma warned that malnutrition remains a silent driver of poverty and poor educational outcomes, noting that “it causes stunted growth, weak immunity, and perpetuates cycles of poverty with both immediate and long-term effects.”
Daisy Kajik, a program staff member, appealed to families to prioritize balanced diets and medical consultations, discouraging the traditional belief that malnutrition is caused by witchcraft.
Medical and local leaders commend efforts
Dr. Innocent Warom, the Medical Director of Holy Family Hospital Nyapea, hailed the organization’s work, saying it has strengthened early response and preventive health education in communities. “Their work has shifted our approach from reactive to proactive, allowing us to educate families on prevention rather than waiting to treat severe malnutrition,” Dr Warom said.
Orombi also pointed to contributing factors such as teenage pregnancies, limited household income, and low male involvement in child welfare. The group’s long-term plan focuses on economic empowerment and food security through kitchen gardens, seedling distribution, and microfinance support.
Sam Kumakech, Director for Sports, Youth, and Information in Alur Kingdom, commended the initiative and called for stronger collaboration with other organizations to expand impact.
According to UNICEF, Uganda has 2.4 million stunted children, while nearly 50% of children under five and one in four women of reproductive age suffer from anaemia, a situation experts say threatens the country’s human capital development.
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