Kampala, Uganda March, 18th 2025 — In a significant move to strengthen social work services in Uganda, UNICEF and Makerere University have called for the establishment of a policy framework to support the professionalization of social work. The call was made during a celebration of World Social Workers Day at Makerere University, which was attended by a broad spectrum of social work professionals, students, and academics from nine universities across Uganda. The theme for this year’s celebration was Strengthening Intergenerational Solidarity for Enduring Wellbeing.
The event, organised by Makerere University's Department of Social Work and Social Administration, was presided over by Mrs. Irene Oluka, the UNICEF Representative to Uganda, alongside prominent figures in the field of social work and academia. These included Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, represented by Assoc. Prof. Hellen Nkabala, Dr. Senkusu, President of the National Association of Social Workers in Uganda (NASWU), Mr. Joachim Mumba, President of the International Federation of Social Workers, and Prof. Antonneitte Lombard, President of the International Association of Schools of Social Work.
The celebration held in the University Main Hall gathered social work students from various universities, including Makerere University, Metropolitan University Kampala International University, University of Kisubi, Kampala University, Uganda Christian University , Nkumba University, University of Kisubi, Averse International University and African Renewal university among others. In addition to students and educators, practicing social workers, staff from development agencies, and other stakeholders such as Mr. John Mary Sekate from NASWU, Mr. Okiria Gerald from Compassion International, and Madam Ellen Bajinja from ACORD Uganda attended the event.
