Background & History

Uganda Youth Forum (UYF) was founded in 1992 by the First Lady of the Republic of Uganda, Hon. Mrs. Janet K. Museveni. It was formed as a response to the helplessness among the youth during the time when the country had just come out of war and the HIV/AIDS pandemic was destroying families and many young people were lost and didn't know what to do.

The patron, having realized the needs and challenges faced by the youth in Uganda, decided to form UYF to help young people make informed decisions and right choices in life. With a vision of having an empowered, healthy and purpose driven, youth, she embarked on consultations with friends and some teachers in Kampala, all were convinced that something had to be done.

UYF initially brought together youth in schools around Kampala on an annual basis BUT today, UYF has been reinvigorated to serve the youth of the country by holding conferences in different regions of the country. These conferences provide a platform for open dialogue on challenges of growing up, such as sexuality, relationships, adolescence, friendships and informed career choices.

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Message from our Patron

‘‘Back in 1992, the country was still struggling with the aftermath of a civil war and the devastating effects of HIV/AIDS on families. The HIV prevalence was estimated at 30% and there was a real threat of the pandemic wiping out families if nothing was done to prevent the transmission of the disease.

We could not just sit and do nothing. I worked together with my friends and we founded the Uganda Youth Forum which gave an opportunity for the youth of Uganda to have a platform for dialogue on the problems and challenges facing them as a young generation. In the Youth Forum, young people found guidance, counsel, direction, information and life skills on the day-to-day challenges that they faced. Our focus was on prevention through character building, life skills training and access to correct and accurate information by the young people’’- Hon Maama Janet K Museveni.

She therefore formed UYF having realized the needs and challenges faced by the youth in Uganda. It was formed to help young people make informed decisions and right choices in life, with a vision of having an empowered, healthy and purpose driven youth. After consultations with friends and some teachers in Kampala, she was convinced that they had to do something even if they didn’t have the money. It initially brought together youth in schools around Kampala on an annual basis to dialogue about the challengesfacing their lives.