Young people in Uganda face growing challenges but have limited influence over decisions that affect their lives. Youth Connect creates space for their voices, leadership, and solutions to shape stronger, more resilient communities.
Program Overview
Youth Connect is a programme implemented by the British Council in Uganda to address the challenges shaping young people’s everyday lives. These include the growing impacts of climate change, shrinking civic and youth spaces, conflict and instability, limited opportunities for employment and entrepreneurship, and the sense of disconnection many young people feel within their communities.
The programme supports young people to build skills, confidence, and networks that enable them to contribute meaningfully to their communities, strengthen their resilience, and influence institutional responses to youth priorities.
Why Youth Connect Matters
Young people in Uganda make up more than 75% of the population, yet many face persistent barriers to opportunity, participation, and voice. Climate shocks such as floods and heatwaves affect livelihoods and food security, while unemployment, misinformation, and limited civic spaces deepen feelings of exclusion and alienation.
Youth Connect responds to these realities by creating spaces where young people can learn, lead, collaborate, and shape solutions to the issues that affect them most.
How the Programme Works
Youth Connect is structured around three interlinked enablers:
- Youth skills and learning – building practical, creative, and leadership skills.
- Youth leadership, voice, and pathways – supporting young people to engage, influence, and lead.
- Ecosystem development – strengthening networks, partnerships, and systems that support youth participation.
At the local level, the programme fosters collaboration and networks for change. At the international level, it promotes cross-cultural learning and thematic exchange.
Youth-Led Research Component
As part of the programme, a youth-led research study is being conducted to generate in-depth, evidence-based insights into the lived experiences, priorities, and aspirations of young people. The study explores how young people experience and navigate challenges related to employability, peace and social cohesion, media and digital spaces, climate resilience, and gender equality.
The research centres on youth perspectives and ensures that findings reflect real experiences rather than assumptions.
