You are viewing an earlier version of our story
This page is retained as an archive of earlier Youthplus content. We have brought our current organisational story, history and development into one updated page. Visit it for the current overview of who we are and how our work has evolved.
Our Journey
In 2005, Youth Plus Policy Network Uganda (Youthplus) began within the ActionAid family.
Born from ActionAid’s investment in youth organising and active citizenship, Youthplus emerged as a platform that mobilised young people to become active citizens, community leaders and champions of social change. From the beginning, we believed that lasting change happens when young people are trusted to lead and communities are empowered to shape their own future.
During this period, Youthplus spearheaded youth mobilisation initiatives that inspired the development of the Activista movement. What started as a local approach to youth organising was later adopted and expanded by ActionAid Italy into one of the world’s most recognised youth activism movements.
Over time, the movement grew in reach, experience and ambition. To strengthen its ability to serve communities and build long-term partnerships, Youthplus established itself as an independent national non-governmental organisation with its own governance and systems.
Our registration changed, but our identity did not. We remain a youth-led movement working alongside communities to advance social justice, strengthen local leadership and create lasting change through collective action.
Today, Youthplus continues to grow as both a movement and an organisation, bringing together young people, communities and partners to improve health, expand opportunities and strengthen the systems that help everyone thrive.
What Makes Us Different
We don’t deliver projects. We strengthen communities.
At Youthplus, we believe that lasting change is built from within communities, not delivered from outside them.
Our role is to work alongside young people, community leaders, institutions and partners to strengthen the local systems that enable communities to solve problems, seize opportunities and shape their own future.
Rather than creating parallel structures, we invest in the people, relationships and community assets that already exist.
This belief led us to develop the Community Action System, our practical approach to connecting trusted places, local leadership, partnerships and digital innovation to create stronger, healthier and more resilient communities.
Our Impact
Every day, young people are leading conversations, connecting neighbours to services, strengthening community leadership and creating opportunities that improve lives.
Our Story Continues
Our story is still being written by the communities we work with, the young people who lead change every day and the partners who believe in a future where every community has the opportunity to thrive.
