> Early Childhood Care and Education

Early Childhood Care and Education

Championing Early Learning. Coordinating for Impact.
The ECCE Cluster:
Overview

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. 

Purpose

Learning Starts Early

To promote sustainable, inclusive, and equitable ECCE services in Uganda by supporting implementation of ECCE initiatives at national and community levels through a strong and coordinated network of actors.
Objectives

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

What We Do

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. 

ECCE Governance

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. 

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