Who We Are
Building community systems for health, education, gender equality, youth leadership and social justice.
Youth Plus Policy Network Uganda (YPPN-U), known as Youthplus, is a youth-led national non-governmental organisation advancing people-led social justice through community systems strengthening.
We work alongside women, young people, children and communities experiencing poverty, inequality and exclusion to expand opportunities, strengthen resilience and enable people to realise their rights and shape decisions affecting their lives. We believe sustainable development happens when communities have the knowledge, agency and collective power to influence their own future.
Rather than delivering isolated interventions, we partner with communities to strengthen local leadership, amplify citizen voices and build sustainable systems that improve health, education, livelihoods and wellbeing while advancing gender equality, social accountability and inclusive development.
We recognise that poor health outcomes, unequal educational opportunities, unemployment, gender inequality, climate vulnerability and social exclusion are interconnected. Our programmes therefore combine locally led solutions, participation, accountability, human rights and community ownership.
Our Vision
Healthy, educated, resilient and empowered communities where every person enjoys equal rights, opportunities and dignity.
Our Mission
To strengthen community systems through innovative, inclusive and sustainable programmes that improve health, expand educational opportunities, promote gender equality, strengthen youth agency and advance social justice.
Our Values
- Human rights and dignity
- Community leadership
- Gender equality
- Accountability
- Innovation
- Inclusion
- Partnership
- Integrity
Our Theory of Change
We believe sustainable change happens when communities are supported to identify their priorities, access trusted information and opportunities, strengthen their own leadership and influence the systems that affect their lives.
- Community knowledge and participation: Listen to local priorities and bring people into programme design and decision-making.
- Access and opportunity: Connect communities to relevant health information, quality learning, support services and practical resources.
- Leadership and accountability: Strengthen community structures, youth agency, partnerships and engagement with duty bearers.
- Evidence and learning: Use monitoring, community feedback and reflection to improve programme quality and sustain results.
Through this approach, we seek to contribute to healthier, educated, resilient and empowered communities where people can exercise their rights and shape their futures.
How We Work
Our approach is grounded in community ownership and practical collaboration. We work with government institutions, civil society organisations, development partners, academic institutions and community structures to design and implement evidence-informed programmes that strengthen resilience, promote inclusion and contribute to sustainable development across Uganda.
Governance and Accountability
Youthplus is governed by an independent Board of Directors responsible for strategic oversight, policy direction, financial accountability and institutional performance. Day-to-day operations are led by a professional management team and supported by programme, finance and administrative staff.
Our institutional systems include financial management, budgeting, procurement, internal controls, donor compliance and independent external audits. Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL), community feedback, safeguarding, gender equality and inclusion are integral to our work.
Where We Work and Who We Work With
Based in Entebbe, Uganda, Youthplus works with communities and partners across Uganda. We collaborate with government ministries and local governments, health facilities, schools, community structures, civil society organisations, academic institutions and development partners.
