Uganda Adoption Fast Facts

Wondering how to adopt from Uganda? Find statistics, prospective parent requirements, and an average budget and timeline.

Small boy who joined his family through Uganda adoption

Intercountry Adoptions from Uganda are overseen by the the Department of Youth and Child Affairs in the Ministry of Gender, Labour, and Social Development. Uganda’s Children Act Amendments, which went into effect in 2016, state that intercountry adoption “shall be considered as the last option” available to children in need of permanency. The law also requires non-Ugandan prospective adoptive parents to spend one year living in Uganda fostering the child(ren) they intend to adopt.

For more up-to-date information on how to adopt from Uganda, visit the Uganda Adoption page on the U.S. State Department’s website. Get parent-to-parent advice and support in the International Adoptive Families group in our online community, Adoptive Families Circle.


Search the National Infertility & Adoption Directory for adoption agencies placing children from Uganda.


Uganda Adoption Fast Facts

  • 2016 Adoptions: 187 children
  • Hague Country: No
  • Estimated Total Cost: $20,000 to $30,000
  • Profile of Children: 51% of children are between 1 and 4 years old. 56% are boys (2014). Children over age 14 must consent to their adoption.
  • Parent Ages: Adoptive parents must be at least 25 years old and 21 years older than the child. If married, only one spouse needs to fulfill these requirements.
  • Family Status: Both married couples and singles may adopt. Unless an exception is made, singles must adopt a child of the same sex. Same-sex couples may not be approved for adoption.
  • Travel: Parents need to be physically present for a court appearance and their child’s visa appointment. This can be done in either one or two trips. Parents taking one trip should plan to stay in Uganda for four to eight weeks.
  • Timeline: One to three years.

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