As the secretariate of the Familia Kwa Watoto Alliance, Railway Children Africa hosted a pivotal learning exchange visit in Uganda with the Ministry of Community Development, Gender, Women and Special Groups.

The two-day learning visit organised in collaboration with our partners Child’s i Foundation focused on Care Reform in Uganda and was part of our ongoing efforts to strengthen family-based alternative care services in Tanzania with the aim to:

• Learn from Uganda’s success in care reform and the benefits of family-based care
• Gain insight into the policies and strategies used by Uganda’s Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development for alternative care systems
• Share care reform experiences from across the East Africa region
• Gain broader support and commitment to transition to family-based care in Tanzania

During the event we had the opportunity to visit St. Michael’s in Nsambya, a former childcare institution that has been transformed into a vibrant community hub. This transition exemplifies the shift from institutional care to community-based support, in line with Uganda’s care reform objectives.

The delegation also visited Nsambya Babies Home, a temporary shelter providing care for children awaiting family reunification or placement in alternative care options, such as foster care or adoption. The visit highlighted the critical role that such shelters play in the interim care process while families are sought or prepared.

During the exchange, the participants had the opportunity to meet with adoptive and foster families who are providing loving homes for children separated from their parents. These families are an essential part of Uganda’s move towards family-based care, and their experiences provided valuable insights into the strengths and challenges of the care reform process.

This ministerial learning exchange underscored the importance of continued collaboration and investment in care reform, ensuring that more children grow up in safe, nurturing family environments.

Watch the video below to learn more.