Our Background

Poverty rates have skyrocketed to 9.2% in the world as more than 719 million people live on a daily income of less than $2.15. Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) 2020/2021 report shows that approximately 21.4% of Ugandans live below the national poverty line. Poverty is significantly higher in rural areas at 26% of the population living in poverty compared to urban areas at about 9%. It also shows high child poverty rate with more than 50% of children under the age of 18 living in poverty. These children often face challenges such as malnutrition, limited access to education, and poor health services, which further perpetuate the cycle of poverty.

Northern Uganda and parts of Eastern Uganda have the highest poverty rates with some districts in the north experiencing poverty levels exceeding 40%. These disparities in poverty levels are linked to factors such as historical conflict, limited infrastructure, and lower agricultural productivity. Many Ugandans still struggle to access basic services such as healthcare, education, and clean water which impacts their ability to break the cycle of poverty.

Climate change challenges have led to erratic weather patterns, droughts, and flooding, further exacerbating poverty in agricultural communities. Approximately 70% of the workforce is employed in agriculture, which is highly vulnerable to climate change, fluctuating market prices, and limited access to modern farming techniques. Around 13-15% of young Ugandans between the ages of 15-24 are unemployed, which contributes to growing economic disparities.

Due to the circumstances discussed above, Beyond Light Foundation was birthed in September 2019 to contribute to the economy and improve the on the livelihoods of the less privileged children. We continue to work on strategies and partnerships with Government, organisations and individuals to reduce poverty, particularly through improving agricultural productivity, enhancing access to education, clean water, proper sanitation, hygiene, healthcare, and addressing the environment, eco system and climate challenges.