As Uganda joined the rest of the world in celebrating Mother’s Day on Sunday, a quiet yet powerful truth echoed across communities; single mothers, often overlooked in everyday conversations, stood tall as symbols of unyielding strength, sacrifice, and unconditional love.

While Mother’s Day is traditionally a time to honor all mothers, in Uganda, it’s increasingly the single mothers who take center stage. Their stories of perseverance through hardship, their unwavering dedication to their children, and their ability to carry entire households on their shoulders have made them deeply revered; not just within their families, but across society.

In a country where traditional family structures are still widely upheld, being a single mother often means walking a lonely path; one fraught with financial strain, social stigma, and relentless responsibility. Yet many Ugandan single mothers turn these challenges into triumphs, raising children who are educated, emotionally secure, and full of hope.

“Happy Mother’s Day to all the single moms in the world.Mother, thank you for sacrificing so much for us. You never put on expensive clothes nor bought a car. But me and my brother went to good schools and never lacked anything. Thank you for having one of the best souls in this world… Even if I might not always be your perfect child, you will always be my perfect parent,” Namukasa a user wrote on X.

Such heartfelt tributes are not uncommon. They reflect the deep appreciation felt by children raised by single mothers who often work multiple jobs, go without, and make impossible choices — all for their families. Their selflessness doesn’t just sustain homes; it nurtures futures.

Award-winning singer Sheebah Karungi, who often speaks about her upbringing, shared in a past interview, “I was brought up by a single mother who did not have much but managed to put food on the table and take good care of me.”

Her story, like that of many others, showcases how the love and effort of one parent can be enough to shape a life of success.

Behind these mothers are networks of solidarity. Across urban centers and rural villages alike, single mothers often form informal support systems; circles of women who uplift each other, share burdens, and celebrate victories.

On Mother’s Day, these bonds are visible;  not only in family gatherings but also in community events, church services, and on social media.

The media and cultural narratives in Uganda have also evolved, with more attention given to single mothers’ journeys. Documentaries, features, and campaigns now regularly highlight their struggles and achievements, helping shift public perception and raise awareness of the support they need.

Government and non-governmental organizations have responded to this shift. Programs like the Uganda Women Entrepreneurship Programme (UWEP) and the U.S. Embassy’s Ambassador’s Special Self-Help (SSH) initiative offer grants, while groups like the Single Parents Association of Uganda (SPAU) provide community-based support. Meanwhile, organizations such as GiveDirectly and FSD Uganda help boost economic independence for single mothers by funding small businesses and microenterprises.

As the celebration of Mother’s Day fades into the background, the recognition of single mothers should not. These women are not just caregivers, they are builders of futures, champions of resilience, and, as many would say, the very heartbeat of the nation.

In celebrating them, Uganda is not just honoring mothers; it is acknowledging the power of womanhood, the courage of standing alone, and the extraordinary strength it takes to raise a generation.