We use maximum likelihood models to analyse the impact of mother's education on infant and child mortality in Uganda. The data were obtained from the Uganda Demographic and Health Survey 2006. Our results confirm the hypothesis that mother's education is fundamental in reducing infant and child mortality. This suggests that efforts to reduce child mortality need to target measures that aim to educate women. The government programme to extend free education at the secondary level is therefore a commendable effort that needs to be strengthened. This therefore needs to be embraced by all stakeholders to encourage girls to attain education beyond secondary level. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.