Our Story and History
From youth organising and active citizenship to a national organisation advancing community-led development and social justice.
Youth Plus Policy Network Uganda (YPPN-U), known as Youthplus, began in 2006 as a youth-led movement rooted in organising, active citizenship and the belief that young people can lead positive change in their communities.
Our journey began within the ActionAid family, through an investment in youth organising and active citizenship. Youthplus mobilised young people to become active citizens and leaders of social change. This early work helped shape a generation of young people committed to participation, accountability and social justice.
As the movement matured, Youthplus developed its own governance, institutional systems and strategic direction. We grew from a platform for youth mobilisation into an independent national non-governmental organisation, while remaining grounded in the values that shaped our beginnings: human rights, social justice, gender equality, community leadership and people-powered development.
Over the years, our work has expanded across youth leadership, women’s rights, community health, education, livelihoods, climate justice, civic participation and community systems strengthening. Our programmes and partnerships have evolved in response to the priorities expressed by communities and the changing development context in Uganda.
Milestones in our journey
2006
The beginning
Youthplus was established through support for youth organising and active citizenship. Youth mobilisation and community leadership became the foundation of our identity.
2007
Building active citizens
Through partnership with Oxfam Great Britain, Youthplus supported democratic participation and good governance, including the establishment of Active Citizens Clubs.
2008
From debate to community action
Working with the British Council Uganda, we encouraged young people to translate dialogue and debate into practical community action.
2009–2012
Expanding leadership and justice
We strengthened young women’s leadership, established youth employment and leadership initiatives, engaged in climate justice advocacy and contributed to campaigns on reproductive justice and natural resource governance.
2013–2019
Strengthening community leadership
Youthplus continued to expand community-based programming, deepen partnerships, strengthen institutional governance and increase engagement in policy advocacy.
2020
Women at the frontlines of climate change
With support from the Global Greengrants Fund, we documented women’s experiences of climate change and household food insecurity through participatory research.
2021–2023
Building institutional capacity
We invested in organisational strengthening, governance, systems development, national partnerships and programme innovation.
2024 onwards
Building community systems for health, education and wellbeing
Youthplus expanded its community systems work through initiatives including DEEPROOTS, community-based health information and referral approaches, and the LIFT Education Programme. We continued developing partnerships and strengthening our institutional capacity as a national NGO with a countrywide mandate.
The journey continues
Today, Youthplus works alongside communities, public institutions, civil society organisations, academic institutions and development partners to develop locally led and evidence-informed solutions. Our history is not simply a record of projects. It is a continuing commitment to community leadership, active citizenship and the conviction that lasting change happens when people have the power and opportunity to shape their own future.
