Empower East African Refugee Youth in Uganda

According to the latest United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Global Trends Report, Uganda is now home to more than 1.8 million refugees–many of whom are youth, forced to navigate complex challenges like limited access to school and social exclusion in urban areas like Kampala. It’s within this reality that World Refugee Day, observed on June 20, serves as an important reminder of the strength and resilience of people who have been forced to flee their homes.

Here in Kampala, that resilience is on display every day. Since 2008, SWB Uganda has offered a space where young people can find belonging, build confidence, and access new opportunities. This past year alone, our programs reached more than 3,800 youth through over 2,200 activities, with coaches and mentors logging more than 230,000 hours of contact time. For 25 refugee students, that support included full academic scholarships to continue their formal education. Whether through soccer, classroom learning, or community leadership, we’re working to ensure every young person has the chance to build a brighter future—on and off the field.

"Youth, and refugee youth more specifically, are some of the most forgotten people in society..." said SWB Uganda Director Mayele Jules Murhula.

“Over the 14 years I have spent working alongside refugee youth in Uganda, I’ve seen them move from helplessness in those early days of arrival—facing isolation, language barriers, and discrimination—to building great resilience.

Exposure to opportunity becomes the game changer. It sparks their potential and leads them to grow as individuals and communities, advocating for their rights and often leading the way for change.

At our hub, more youth than ever are stepping into leadership roles and developing the skills to become successful adults. And I know that when they experience this success, it benefits not just our community—but our continent and our world.”

Looking Ahead: The 13th Annual Youth Festival

Planning is already underway for the 13th Annual Youth Festival, which will take place January 5–9, 2026! This beloved event brings together refugee and local youth through themed days of play, cultural exchange, music, and team-building.

Each activity is designed to foster connection and joy while building leadership and other life-long skills. Volunteer applications are now open for individuals and groups eager to contribute to the festival experience and support youth in Kampala through hands-on engagement. Are you, or somebody you know, interested in volunteering? Check out this link to learn how! 

Girls Leagues Bring Joy and Connection to the Field

In May, 34 girls' teams from across Kampala participated in the second edition of the Uganda Girls Leagues. The event welcomed both new and returning teams, with players cheering each other on, reconnecting with old friends, and forming new bonds along the way.

The energy and enthusiasm on display reflected the continued momentum of the leagues, which operate in five regions and provide safe, inclusive opportunities for girls to grow through sport and community.

SWB Uganda Boys Compete on a National Stage

This year, a group of SWB Uganda’s longest-standing participant boys reached a proud milestone: competing in Uganda’s FUFA 5th Division League. These youth, all of whom are refugees and have been part of our programs for years, are now stepping into nationally recognized competition.

Matches are held across diverse and often challenging conditions—but through it all, the team is rising to the occasion, currently holding 4th place in league standings. As one participant, Arsene, shared: “Every day we learn from different teams and face new challenges which is helping us to be better.”

Celebrating Learning with Field Trips and Holiday Fun

In April and May, holiday programming brought together children from local schools and SWB Uganda programs for a wide range of educational and recreational activities. From chain spelling and math games to “Life is Sweet” and bottle-filling challenges, each day offered new ways for participants to build confidence, collaborate, and have fun.

Meanwhile, over 240 youth completed their end-of-term literacy exams—a reflection of the progress being made in English classes across the hub. As the holiday season kicked off, 68 outstanding youth were selected for a field trip to the Riham Factory, where they learned about local manufacturing and capped the day with games and shared meals in the park.

A Community of Possibility

With every activity, from classroom to pitch, SWB Uganda is working to ensure that underserved youth have the tools and support to build their futures. Through these efforts, more youth are stepping into leadership roles, finding purpose, and contributing to a more connected and inclusive Uganda.

Thank you for being part of this journey.