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.
The Role of Social Workers in Uganda
Mrs. Irene Oluka, in her remarks, highlighted the critical role of social workers in the country, particularly in child protection and community development. She emphasized that a well-trained and professional social workforce is essential to achieving UNICEF’s mandate of protecting children from violence and exploitation. She also stressed the importance of social work in supporting vulnerable populations, addressing issues of child welfare, and promoting social justice.
UNICEF Representative to Uganda Mrs. Irene Oluka delivering the official opening remarks
Oluka pointed out the shortage of social workers at the community level, noting that social services, particularly at the parish level, are often underfunded and understaffed. Despite the increasing demand for social work services, there is a glaring absence of a formal framework to regulate and professionalize social work in Uganda.
She reflected on the government’s efforts, led by the Ministry of Gender, to develop a national framework for social care and support. However, the lack of clarity regarding the distinction between social work and broader social services has led to confusion in recruitment and the delivery of social services. Oluka emphasized that while the Ministry of Gender is prioritizing the development of a social care framework, it is crucial that social work be distinctly recognized and professionally regulated.
Oluka drew attention to the lack of recognition of social workers during the COVID-19 pandemic, where social workers were not initially listed among essential personnel. She shared how advocacy by UNICEF and other stakeholders led to the inclusion of social workers as essential staff, underlining the need for financial support, policy recognition, and a commitment to strengthening the social workforce.
“Social workers are often not well resourced, and the profession needs significant policy support,” Oluka stated. “We need to ensure that the social workforce is better funded, better supported, and professionally recognized.”
In her speech, Oluka also reiterated UNICEF’s commitment to supporting the professionalization of social work in Uganda, including the development of a bill to regulate the profession. She noted that social workers play a central role in achieving both national and global development goals, particularly in areas such as poverty alleviation, social justice, and the provision of social services.
One of the key points raised during the event was the need for greater collaboration across sectors. Oluka called for a closer partnership between social work and other sectors such as health, education, and the justice system. She highlighted the importance of social workers in schools, hospitals, and prisons, emphasizing that social services are integral to the effective functioning of these institutions.
Dr. Justus Twesigye hands over gift to to Chief Guest Mrs Oluka witnessed by the Association President Dr. Senkusu
“Social workers need to be present in schools, hospitals, and the justice system,” she said. “Without their involvement, many societal challenges, particularly those related to children and vulnerable populations, cannot be effectively addressed.”
Oluka urged academia, government ministries, and other stakeholders to work together to implement the Social Care and Support Framework, which aims to strengthen the social workforce and improve service delivery. She also stressed the importance of developing clear standards for the delivery of social services in various settings, including schools and healthcare institutions.
Furthermore, she recommended that social workers engage more actively with the Ministry of Gender, Local Government, and Public Service to advocate for the professionalization of social work. “It is time for social workers to take a more proactive role in shaping the policies that affect their profession,” Oluka concluded.
UNICEF’s involvement in the professionalization of social work in Uganda dates back to 2019, when it began supporting the Ministry of Gender in developing a national framework for social care and support. This framework aims to define the role of social workers, outline the minimum services they should provide, and set standards for the delivery of social services.
Mrs. Oluka reaffirmed UNICEF’s commitment to continue supporting this initiative, with the belief that investing in a professional social workforce will bring substantial benefits not only to children and families but to society as a whole.
The celebration concluded with awards and recognitions for outstanding student essay writers and social work educators who have made significant contributions to the profession. The event served as a powerful reminder of the crucial role social workers play in transforming society and the urgent need for a well-supported, professionally recognized social workforce in Uganda.
Vice Chancellor Urges Policy Makers to Prioritize Social Work, Humanities, and Social Sciences in Uganda
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, called on policymakers to prioritize social work, social administration, and the humanities to address the critical needs of Uganda’s most vulnerable populations. In a message delivered by Assoc. Prof. Helen Nkabala, Nawangwe emphasized the importance of increasing the budget for the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development to enhance its ability to serve Uganda’s elderly, youth, persons with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups.
Principal College of Humanities and Social Sciences Asso. Prof. Helen Nambalirwa Nkabala representing the Vice Chancellor 
In her address, Assoc. Prof. Nkabala praised the contributions of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences and the Department of Social Work and Social Administration in shaping the future of Uganda. She urged the gathering to reflect on the importance of social work in the post-COVID era, noting the critical role of social workers in bridging generational gaps and addressing the challenges that have emerged in a rapidly changing world.
“As we celebrate World Social Workers Day, we acknowledge that the role of social work is more relevant than ever,” Nkabala stated. “Social work addresses issues of our very existence. It connects generations, empowers communities, and ensures that no one is left behind.”
Nawangwe’s message also stressed the need for stronger collaboration between academia, government, and civil society to advance the professionalization of social work in Uganda. He urged policymakers to prioritize social work and social administration as key pillars of the country’s development agenda.
“Social work is the backbone of societal progress,” said Nkabala, speaking on behalf of the Vice Chancellor. “We must advocate for greater investment in the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development to ensure that it has the resources to fulfill its mandate and better serve vulnerable populations.”
Nawangwe also called for increased public awareness about the role of social workers in building resilient communities, particularly in the wake of the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. He emphasized the importance of the social work profession in addressing corruption, promoting social justice, and creating sustainable development outcomes.
The Vice Chancellor’s message highlighted the need for continued partnerships between academic institutions and social work professionals to ensure the next generation of social workers is well-equipped to tackle the pressing challenges facing Ugandan society. He stressed that Makerere University, with its long-standing commitment to social work education, remains ready to take a leadership role in this effort.
“We are committed to building stronger links between the community and academia,” Nkabala concluded, “and between the different universities that are working to train future social workers. Makerere University will continue to lead in this vital area, and we are eager to collaborate with all stakeholders to advance this important agenda.”
The celebration marked a key moment for social work professionals and students to come together and reflect on the importance of intergenerational solidarity in fostering enduring well-being. It also underscored the urgent need for a concerted effort to strengthen social work in Uganda, with the government, academia, and development partners working together to create a more just and resilient society.
The Vice Chancellor’s call to action serves as a reminder that, as the world grapples with social and economic challenges, the role of social workers in shaping the future has never been more critical.
Head of Social Work Department Calls for Renewed Commitment to Address Social Challenges and Strengthen Intergenerational Solidarity"
Dr. Denis Muhangi, the Head of the Department of Social Work and Social Administration at Makerere University, opened his remarks by extending a warm welcome to the audience, acknowledging the presence of key figures, including Professor Helen Nkabala, the Vice Chancellor's representative, UNICEF's Madam Oluka, and leaders from national and international organizations like the National Association of Social Workers Uganda (NASWU), Compassion International, and ACORD Uganda.
Dr. Denis Muhangi delivering his welcome remarks
Dr. Muhangi expressed his pride in hosting the World Social Work Day at Makerere University, noting the department's long history in training social workers since 1969. He highlighted that the day is a significant occasion to renew the profession's commitment and address critical issues facing society.
Dr. Muhangi emphasized the ongoing relevance of social work, stating that despite its long-standing history, the profession has become even more essential with every passing day due to the increasing social challenges such as wars, displacement, child abuse, and the growing vulnerability of women and persons with disabilities. Dr. Muhangi referred to disturbing statistics on teenage pregnancy, school dropouts, and other pressing issues that fall under social work’s mandate, underscoring the profession’s responsibility to address these problems directly.
“We cannot delegate these issues to anyone else. It is our responsibility, our mandate,” he said, urging social workers to collaborate, reflect on past achievements, and face future challenges head-on. Muhangi further emphasized the importance of intergenerational solidarity, aligning with the theme of the day—"Strengthening Intergenerational Solidarity for Enduring Well-being."
He called upon young people in the audience, stressing the need for their contributions both today and in the future. “We need you today as well as tomorrow,” Dr. Muhangi urged, encouraging students to apply the values, principles, and ethics taught in class to their practice.
Dr. Muhangi concluded his remarks with a reminder of social work’s critical role in building a better future for all and reaffirmed the department’s dedication to advancing the profession. He also called for continued collaboration across generations and sectors to tackle the challenges faced by communities worldwide.