The Child Protection Cluster:
- Child Rights Advocacy
- Led by Amora Africa
The Child Protection in Early Childhood Development (CPiECD) Cluster is one of the five thematic clusters under NECDA, dedicated to safeguarding Uganda’s youngest children from abuse, neglect, violence, and exploitation. We work to ensure that every child, especially those aged 0–8, grows up in safe, nurturing, and stimulating environments.
Our cluster integrates global and regional child rights instruments, including the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) and the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACRWC) into national ECD advocacy and programming. We champion culturally grounded, community-owned solutions that protect and promote children’s rights in the earliest and most vulnerable stages of life.
Why Child Protection Matters
Children aged 0–8 are among the most vulnerable members of society, yet protection in these early years remains under-recognized and underfunded. From conception to age 8, children require specialized care, environments, and policies that ensure their survival, safety, and holistic development.
The CPiECD Cluster addresses this gap by raising awareness, building capacity, coordinating actors, and advocating for child protection to be fully integrated into Uganda’s ECD ecosystem. Our work begins in the womb, and continues until every child enters primary school safe, strong, and ready to thrive.
Protecting Every Child's Right to Thrive
Foster collaboration and alignment among child protection and ECD actors.
Advocate for the prevention of violence and inclusion of protection in national ECD agendas.
Build capacity of frontline actors to respond to child protection risks in early years.
Promote community awareness of children’s rights and protection responsibilities.
Document and share evidence-based practices for scaling and advocacy.
Child Protection Terms of Reference
Child Protection Cluster
Focused on safeguarding children’s rights and well-being, this cluster strengthens systems and advocates for protective environments in homes, schools, and communities.
Public Engagement
We work with policymakers to ensure child protection is fully embedded in ECD policy frameworks and service delivery guidelines.
Partnerships
We build bridges between national, regional, and global actors to exchange knowledge, strengthen advocacy, and mobilize support.
Community Mobilization
We raise awareness on early childhood protection through campaigns, dialogues, and parenting support reaching families where they live and work.
Capacity Building
We train ECD practitioners, caregivers, and service providers in protection principles and child rights-sensitive approaches.
Innovation and Research
We pilot community-led protection initiatives, conduct research, and monitor progress on child protection outcomes in ECD.
Resource Mobilization
We seek funding and in-kind support for collaborative CPiECD projects at national and community levels.
Join Today!
Are you working to protect Uganda’s youngest children from violence, neglect, and harm? Join us in building a safer start for every child.
Cluster Membership
Membership is open to organizations that:
- Are legally registered and provide child protection services.
- Have a local presence and commitment to CPiECD principles.
- Are NECDA members in good standing.
- Share NECDA’s values of collaboration, equity, and accountability.
All members have equal status, voice, and responsibility in shaping the direction of the cluster.
The CPiECD Cluster is coordinated by an Executive Committee of 5 elected member organizations and one ex-officio government representative. The committee includes:
- Chairperson
- Vice Chairperson
- Secretary
- Two Committee Members
Leadership is rotational every 2 years. The Chairperson and Secretary represent the cluster on the NECDA Steering Committee.