World Social Work Day 2026 at KIU Main Campus

KIU, Main Campus - On Tuesday, March 17th, 2026, Kampala International University (KIU) Main Campus hosted a vibrant commemoration of World Social Work Day, bringing together academics, practitioners, and students under the theme “Co-Building Hope and Harmony.” The event was marked by powerful speeches that underscored both the challenges and opportunities facing the social work profession in Uganda.

In an opening remark, the Vice Chancellor represented by Dr. Jacob Eneji Ashibi, Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Academic Affairs noted:

“The theme of this event today is Co-Building Hope and Harmony. A harmony called to unite a divided society. You will all agree that our society today is grossly divided along several lines. Yet, the strength of a society lies not in its differences, but in its ability to come together with a shared purpose. Social workers remain the custodians of hope in times when it is most needed. Your work restores dignity, fosters inclusion, and promotes justice.”

He reminded participants that harmony requires fairness, inclusion, and respect for human dignity:

“This is not a responsibility for social workers alone. Institutions of higher learning, government bodies, civil societies, and communities must work collaboratively to address systemic inequalities. Let this day serve as a renewed call to action, a Harambee Movement, for all of us to pull together in building a society defined by empathy, unity, and shared prosperity.”

In a call for recognition of Social Work, Dr. Moses Senkosi Balyejjusa, President of NASWU, passionately highlighted the urgent need for Uganda to formally recognize social work as a profession:

“Social work is not recognized as a profession by an active parliament. That’s what we are driving to, so that we have a council of social work that can regulate practice in the country. Our colleagues in Kenya have their act assented to by the president, which regulates social work practice. We need to force to have that here in Uganda.”

He stressed that this effort must be collective:

“To have that council, it should be a concerted effort, not just NASWU. Each one of you can bring something towards ensuring that we have a social work council. Together, we can secure the recognition and regulation that this noble profession deserves.”

Voices from the Social Work field remarked;

• Susan Kajura, Executive Director of Bantwana Initiative Uganda:

“As students of social work, learning will never end. Your role is not just to be experts, but to be bridges—bridges between community knowledge and professional practice, lived experience and technical frameworks, informal systems and formal protection structures. Listen before you lead. Respect the knowledge that already exists. Co-building hope and harmony is about working alongside others to build something that lasts.”

• David Adoke, Country Director at Child’s i Foundation:

“You are the future of the profession. After we lay down the mantle, you will carry it forward. Social workers are not just service providers—they are change agents, even working with the police to ensure transformation. We gather here not just to mark a date on the calendar, but to reaffirm a calling that sits at the very heart of our nation’s focus.”

• Damon Wamara, Executive Director of Uganda Child Rights NGO Network:

“Know exactly what kind of contribution you want to make in the community, and align your skills to that. Don’t wait for opportunities to find you—seek them out. Find your niche, pursue further qualifications, and make sure what you do addresses real issues. That is how you will remain relevant and in demand.”

Dr. Enamudu Gabriel Peter, KIU Head of Department of Applied Psychology, appreciated the participation of multiple institutions including Bugema University, Nkumba University, University of Kisubi, Kyambogo University, Avance International University, Islamic University in Uganda, and Metropolitan University. He encouraged students to take home lessons from the roundtable discussions and presentations:

“This celebration is rotational, moving from one university to another. It is a chance for you to learn, to share, and to take something valuable back to your institutions. Let the day’s discussions shape your practice and strengthen your commitment to the profession.”

World Social Work Day 2026 at KIU was not just a celebration. It was a call to action. From the push for a Social Work Council in Uganda to the reminder that social workers are bridges of hope and harmony, the event underscored the profession’s vital role in shaping a just and inclusive society.

Just like Dr. Ashibi concluded in his remarks, “Let us continue to work hand in hand, guided by our collective values and commitment to humanity, to create a future where hope is sustained and harmony is a living reality”.