Breaking Cycles of Youth Vulnerability Through Skills, Support, and Opportunity

In the suburbs of Kampala, many young people face a difficult transition into adulthood, shaped by poverty, school dropout, and exposure to exploitation. Without access to safe support systems, their options for stable and dignified livelihoods remain limited.

Through the Urban Youth Empowerment project, funded by the Icelandic Church Aid, the Lutheran World Federation (LWF), in partnership with Uganda Youth Development Link (UYDEL), is addressing these challenges through a localized, youth-centered approach. Implemented in Rubaga, Makindye, and Nakawa divisions, the project targets vulnerable urban youth, including out-of-school young people, young mothers, those at risk of exploitation, survivors of exploitation and trafficking, drug addicts, street-connected children, refugees, and people living with disabilities.

The intervention combines livelihood components -vocational skills training, psychosocial support, business skills training, and Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) awareness and life skills. This integrated model is designed to reduce vulnerability among the youth, while creating pathways to safe, sustainable livelihoods.

For 19-year-old Justine (not real name), the impact has been transformative. After dropping out of school due to financial hardship, she faced an uncertain future. During this period, Justine became vulnerable to transactional sex, engaging in relationships in exchange for basic needs such as food, personal care items, and financial support for survival. The lack of economic opportunities and guidance pushed her into situations where her safety, health, and dignity were at risk. This form of exploitation exposed her to abuse, sexually transmitted infections, and emotional distress, further limiting her ability to make safe and informed life choices. 

“I used to feel powerless and unsure of my future. I had no one to guide me and no opportunities to grow,” she recalls.

Through UYDEL, Justine accessed psychosocial support, street smart sessions, life skills training, and vocational training in the bakery. She also gained critical knowledge on her rights and personal safety, enabling her to make informed decisions and avoid exploitation. Today, she is employed at a local bakery, earning a steady income, and saves UGX 50,000 (13.21$) monthly. Justine has also been trained as a peer educator, supporting other young people with information on safety, healthy relationships, and livelihood opportunities.

Justine’s experience reflects broader project outcomes. Through the interventions, young people are not only gaining employable skills but also building resilience, improving decision-making, and transitioning into safer livelihoods.

Across the project, youths are reporting increased income, stronger coping mechanisms, and reduced engagement in high-risk activities. Young people trained in technical and vocational skills are diversifying income sources, while psychosocial support is helping the youths to address underlying vulnerabilities such as trauma, unsafe behaviors, and substance use.

The project currently reaches 1,500 young people across the 3 divisions, with a focus on social and economic empowerment (livelihood and SRHR component). A key strength of this intervention is its localization approach. By working through UYDEL, a community-rooted organization with deep contextual understanding, LWF ensures that services are accessible, relevant, and responsive to the realities young people face. This partnership model also strengthens local systems to sustain impact beyond the project lifecycle.

Beyond individual transformation, the project is contributing to community-level change. Trained peer educators like Justine are extending knowledge and support to others, helping to shift attitudes and promote safer behaviors among their peers.

“The skills I gained changed my life. I can now earn, save, and support myself. Most importantly, I can guide other young people and give them hope,” Justine says.

Her story illustrates the impact of integrated, locally led programming: vulnerable youth are not only supported to stabilize their lives, but are empowered to become agents of change within their communities.