The ECCE Cluster:
- Quality Early Learning
- Led by Early Years Count & LABE
The ECCE Cluster is one of NECDA’s core thematic clusters, bringing together actors working to deliver quality Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) services across Uganda. We provide a collaborative platform to strengthen coordination, amplify advocacy, and support the effective implementation of Uganda’s ECCE policies and programs.
Through this cluster, civil society, government, development partners, and communities work together to ensure that every child in Uganda gets the best start in life, especially in the critical early years (0–8).
Why ECCE Matters
Every child deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive from the start. Early learning lays the foundation for future success in school, health, employment, and citizenship. Uganda’s Vision 2040 and its National Development Plans recognize ECCE as key to human capital development.
Yet too many children still miss out on essential early learning opportunities due to malnutrition, poor stimulation, lack of access to quality ECCE centers, and weak coordination. The ECCE Cluster exists to change that by uniting efforts, sharing solutions, and driving systemic change.
Learning Starts Early
Drive innovation in ECCE programming that supports holistic child development.
Foster collaboration and alignment across actors and policies at global, national, and district levels.
Support implementation of national ECCE policies, including the ECCE Policy and Action Plans.
Advocate for increased domestic and international investment in ECCE.
Document and share best practices and evidence-based models.
Strengthen member capacity through peer learning and joint action.
ECCE Cluster Terms of Reference
ECCE Cluster
The ECCE Cluster is dedicated to expanding access to quality early learning for all Ugandan children. It unites organizations driving early childhood education to ensure readiness for school and lifelong success.
Coordination
We provide a space for all ECCE actors to connect, align, and work collaboratively avoiding duplication and improving scale and sustainability.
Advocacy
We advocate for ECCE inclusion in national and district budgets, planning processes, and policy priorities.
Capacity Building
We support cluster members through trainings, knowledge exchanges, and peer learning initiatives.
Evidence Sharing
We document and disseminate innovations, research, and lessons that shape effective ECCE programming.
Join Today!
Are you an organization working on early learning, school readiness, or child development in Uganda? Join us in transforming the ECCE landscape.
Cluster Governance
The ECCE Cluster is governed by a Cluster Leadership Committee (CLC), composed of 5 elected members:
- Chairperson
- Vice Chairperson
- Secretary/Cluster Coordinator
- Two Committee Members
Leadership roles rotate every two years, building shared ownership and inclusive representation. The Chair and one elected member also represent the cluster at the NECDA Steering Committee.