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August 2025 Youth Empowerment Rural Development Leadership & Governance

National Youth Manifesto Process: Amplifying Rural Youth Voices & Agency to Action Change

National Youth Manifesto Process

The development of the National Youth Manifesto 2026/2030 marked a significant milestone in empowering Uganda's young people, and Change Lead Agency Social Support (CLASS) played a vital role in ensuring that rural youth in Alebtong were not left behind. Too often, national initiatives focus on urban centres, overlooking the potential and unique perspectives of young people in villages. Together with partners such as African Youth Development Linked (AYDL) and the Youth Coalition for Electoral Democracy, CLASS was determined to change this narrative.

This process was not just about adding youth voices to a document; it was a transformative journey for the participants—especially for young people from Alebtong District in Northern Uganda. Engaging in national consultations and validation meetings helped them build confidence, sharpen problem-solving and teamwork skills, and inspired them to take charge of their communities.

Ocen Job Brian, a 24-year-old from Amugu Sub-County, was one of the exceptional youths who represented his colleagues and the entire Lango Sub-region during the national validation. “Seeing the report presented in Kampala and knowing that our voices from the village were truly valued,” Ocen shared, “motivated me to work harder.” Since then, he has reached over 500 families through his advocacy on climate change and resilience.

This commitment underscores the transformative power of inclusion—when rural youth are involved in national conversations, they gain the zeal to create meaningful change within their communities. Brian pledged to popularize the manifesto once it’s launched, using his effective door-to-door approach to ensure that young people and local leaders understand and act on youth priorities during planning and implementation processes.

Program Highlights

  • Amplifying rural youth voices in national policy processes
  • Strengthening youth confidence, leadership, and collaboration
  • Encouraging community-driven advocacy and action

Story compiled by: Omara Moses, Executive Director, Change Lead Agency Social Support (CLASS)

March 15, 2023 Vocational Training Gender Equality Youth Empowerment

Breaking Stereotypes: Girls Take the Lead in Motorcycle Mechanics

In a groundbreaking step towards challenging gender norms, young women in Amugu Alebtong District are mastering the art of motorcycle mechanics. Once considered an exclusive field for men, this hands-on training program equips girls with the technical skills needed to repair and maintain motorcycles, giving them not just a trade, but also the confidence to break through societal barriers. The initiative has sparked conversations about gender equality in vocational education and is inspiring communities to support young women in non-traditional career paths.

Program Highlights

  • Hands-on training in motorcycle mechanics
  • Breaking gender stereotypes
  • Opening new job opportunities for girls
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Transforming Futures Through Hairdressing Skills Training

Hairdressing is proving to be more than just a beauty skill — it is a pathway to financial independence for young women in rural areas. Through an intensive training program, participants are learning not only hair styling techniques, but also customer service, financial literacy, and small business management. Many graduates have gone on to open their own salons or offer mobile services, contributing to local economic growth and creating new job opportunities for others in their communities. This initiative demonstrates the transformative power of vocational education in building sustainable livelihoods.

Program Highlights

  • Hands-on training in hairdressing
  • Opening new job opportunities for girls
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Youth-Led Action Driving Gender Equality in Rural Communities

Across Amugu Alebtong District, young leaders are stepping forward to promote gender equality through grassroots campaigns, workshops, and community dialogues. These youth-driven initiatives aim to dismantle harmful stereotypes, foster mutual respect, and ensure equal opportunities for all genders. The movement has gained momentum, drawing the attention of local leaders and policy-makers who are now collaborating with the youth to create inclusive policies that empower women and girls while engaging men as allies in the fight for equality.

Program Highlights

  • Advocating for gender equality
  • Challenging harmful social norms
  • Fostering inclusive community development