The Government of Uganda (GoU) has made significant progress in reducing levels of extreme poverty, meeting the Millennium Development Goal target of a 25% reduction five years ahead of the 2015 deadline. Since then, the GoU has committed itself to achieving the more ambitious Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These include ‘reducing by at least half the proportion of men, women and children of all ages living in poverty in all its dimensions according to national definitions’ by 2030 and ultimately ending poverty in all its forms during the 21st century. Based on the country’s national poverty line, slightly less than a quarter (23%) of children in Uganda are identified as ‘poor’. However, this figure is based on monetary poverty which, although providing a clear account of household resources, does not capture the extent and depth of deprivations children experience. Children have both material and social needs – including health care and education, a social and family life, clean and safe drinking water, housing that is not squalid and overcrowded, adequate clothing, and regular meals with sufficient and nutritious food. These items are termed ‘socially perceived necessities’.