WFAD’s member organisation, the Uganda Youth Development Link (UYDEL), has released its 2026 six-month programme snapshot, highlighting the impact of integrated prevention and youth empowerment initiatives reaching thousands of young people across Uganda.

Working through schools, communities, youth centres and vocational training programmes, UYDEL combines substance use prevention with psychosocial support, life skills, vocational training, sexual and reproductive health services, financial literacy, referrals and community engagement. This integrated approach aims to strengthen resilience and address the multiple challenges affecting vulnerable young people.

Over the first six months of 2026, UYDEL reached more than 37,800 students through school outreach under its Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Project, while 2,931 community members participated in community policing activities. The organisation also supported 1,160 young people through sexual and reproductive health linkages, provided vocational skills training to 375 youth, enrolled 531 adolescent girls and young mothers through the Uzazi Salama programme, and engaged 366 youth and stakeholders through Youth Voices activities.

The snapshot highlights that young people often face multiple, interconnected challenges, including substance use, violence, school dropout, unemployment, poor mental health, and limited livelihood opportunities. Rather than addressing these issues separately, UYDEL’s programmes integrate prevention, health services, psychosocial support, education and economic empowerment to provide more comprehensive support.

The programme update also highlights the importance of early intervention. School outreach is one of UYDEL’s main prevention platforms, helping young people understand and respond to risks related to drug use, crime, trafficking and sexual violence before they escalate. These efforts are reinforced by community-based activities such as sports, drama, peer education and youth engagement, which create safe and participatory spaces for young people to build life skills, strengthen resilience and connect with their communities.

Another key finding is the high demand for psychosocial support. UYDEL emphasises the importance of integrating mental health screening, counselling and referral pathways across youth programmes, recognising that emotional wellbeing is closely linked to prevention and long-term resilience. The update also recommends strengthening pathways from vocational training into employment through greater collaboration with private sector partners and expanding financial literacy and savings initiatives to support sustainable livelihoods.

To learn more about UYDEL’s work and explore the full six-month programme update, including key lessons and strategic recommendations, click the button below.