Empower East African Refugee Youth in Uganda

At Soccer Without Borders Uganda, young people continue to come together in powerful ways that strengthen unity, leadership, and community. From large-scale celebrations that bring hundreds of youth together, to focused programs that support leadership development and healthy relationships, recent months have reflected the depth and breadth of SWB Uganda’s impact.

The 13th Annual Uganda Youth Festival stood at the heart of this season of connection. Held in January under the theme “Celebrating Unity, Inspiring Change,” the weeklong event brought together refugee and local youth to foster unity among communities, promote cross-cultural collaboration, and inspire young people to be agents of change. Through football competitions, music, dance, shared meals, and engaging activities, participants experienced what it means to build community across backgrounds and experiences.

The festival opened with vibrant performances from Africa MUSIC School Organisation, setting the tone with band presentations and a collective march to the playground that symbolized moving forward as one community. Over the following days, youth engaged in powerful conversations on the pitch about teamwork and how to welcome everyone into their communities. A three-hour football clinic gave both beginners and advanced players the chance to sharpen skills through organized drills including passing, shooting, dribbling, target shots, open scrimmages, and possession games.

Day three welcomed more than 435 youth to focus on communication as a critical 21st century skill. Through group discussions and a creative “Silent Football” activity alongside traditional play, participants explored how communication builds trust and contributes to team success. The week also included cultural celebrations, dance performances, singing, and opportunities to connect with peers from Makindye and other Kampala suburbs. By the festival’s close, more than 550 youth had participated in moments of fun, reflection, and togetherness, reinforcing the message of unity now and unity always.

Beyond the festival, SWB Uganda continues to invest deeply in programs that shape young leaders and promote safer, healthier communities. In November, teenage boys began their journey through the Coaching Boys Into Men program, a 12-week initiative that blends sport with lessons on gender equality, youth rights, respect, community norms, and mental health. Led by male coaches through structured on-field discussions, the program challenges harmful norms and reinforces the idea that strength means lifting others and respecting everyone. The boys began with baseline surveys and reflections, marking the first step in a process designed to support growth, accountability, and positive change.

SWB Uganda also hosted a Parents’ Engagement Day, welcoming caregivers into classrooms and onto the pitch to experience daily programming firsthand. Parents observed lessons, learned about barriers that can prevent consistent participation, and gained insight into the youth leadership roles that help sustain the program. On the field, they watched and even joined in activities, strengthening the connection between families and the work happening each day. Many expressed gratitude for the opportunity to see their children’s effort, leadership, and joy up close.

In partnership with St. Paul Primary School, SWB Uganda awarded certificates to 24 girls who completed the three-month Global Girls Project. Through leadership training and community mapping exercises facilitated by women staff from both SWB and the school, the girls identified social challenges affecting their community. They chose to address child marriage, recognizing it as a form of abuse that impacts young generations. During the certificate ceremony, parents, community members, and fellow graduates gathered to support their message. Several participants shared their commitment to continue raising awareness, engaging peers, and reporting cases they encounter, demonstrating that the program’s impact extends well beyond the classroom.

Together, these initiatives reflect a shared commitment to unity, leadership, and community transformation. Whether bringing hundreds of youth together through celebration and sport, equipping boys with tools to promote respect and equity, or empowering girls to confront social challenges, SWB Uganda continues to create spaces where young people learn, lead, and build stronger communities.