📚 Day Two of the Universal Prevention Curriculum (UPC) Core Training is underway at the UYDEL Rehabilitation Centre in Masooli, with support from The Colombo Plan and ISSUP Uganda.
Participants explored key foundations of substance-use prevention, including prevention theories, the Etiology Model, socialization, prevention environments, prevention science, evidence-based interventions and policies, professional competencies, skills and ethics.
The sessions also covered epidemiology, intervention development, research methodology, human development, motivation, Maslow’s Theory of Human Needs and theories of behaviour change.Through presentations, group discussions and practical exercises, participants analysed epidemiological data and strengthened their ability to apply scientific and evidence-based approaches to prevention programming.
The interactive sessions were facilitated by global trainers Dr. Rogers Kasirye (Ph.D.) and Mr. Rogers Mutaawe, alongside national trainer Ms. Jacqueline Nassaka.Together, we are strengthening the capacity of prevention professionals to design effective, ethical and evidence-based substance-use prevention programmes.
#UPC #PreventionScience #SubstanceUsePrevention #UYDEL #TheColomboPlan #ISSUPUganda
Stepping Forward with Skills and Confidence!
On Thursday , Smiles, pride and achievement filled UYDEL’s Banda Youth Centre in Nakawa Division, Kampala, as young people under the Access to Employment and EASY U25 Projects celebrated their graduation.
Having completed vocational skills training, the graduates are stepping forward with practical skills, confidence and new opportunities for employment, entrepreneurship and independent livelihoods. UYDEL appreciates our donors, partners, caregivers, trainers, staff and stakeholders for supporting these young people throughout their journey.
Congratulations to our graduates! Your skills are your foundation,now go out and create your future!
#UYDEL #YouthEmpowerment #SkillsDevelopment #EASYU25 #YouthEmployment #VocationalTraining #Entrepreneurship #Nakawa
Empowering Students to Make Safer Choices.
With support from UNODC, UYDEL reached 416 first-year students at Ndejje University Main Campus, Luweero, through an interactive session on drug and alcohol prevention, addiction, crime prevention and mental health.Students explored peer pressure, risky situations, help-seeking and positive decision-making as they begin their university journey.UYDEL sincerely appreciates Ndejje University for the excellent preparation, warm reception and time provided for meaningful engagement.
Together, we can build safer, healthier and more responsible university communities.
#UYDEL #UNODC #DrugPrevention #AlcoholPrevention #CrimePrevention #MentalHealth #YouthEmpowerment #NdejjeUniversity
A Milestone Worth Celebrating in Makindye!
Young people from the Access to Employment and EASY U25 Projects at UYDEL Makindye Drop-in Centre proudly completed their training, stepping forward with practical skills, confidence and renewed hope for the future.Behind every graduate is a story of learning, resilience and determination.UYDEL appreciates our donors, partners, caregivers, trainers, community leaders and dedicated team for supporting these young people throughout their journey.
Congratulations to our graduates! Go out, use your skills, create opportunities and make your mark! 🚀
#UYDEL #YouthEmpowerment #SkillsDevelopment #YouthEmployment #EASYU25 #AccessToEmployment #Makindye #EmpowerYouth
Our deepest condolences to our Executive Director, Dr. Rogers Kasirye, and the entire family on the passing of their beloved mother, Ms. Mary Nankya.
During this difficult time, the UYDEL family stands with you in prayer and solidarity. May God grant you strength, comfort, and peace, and may her soul rest in eternal peace.
Burial: Saturday, 8 August 2026, 2:00 PM
Makata Village, Myanzi, off Kasanda Road, Mityana (3 km)
"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." — Psalm 34:18
#Condolences #RestInPeace #UYDEL
Day One of the Prevention and Countering of Violent Extremism (PCVE) Training of Trainers is underway in Namayingo District.
With support from UNODC, UYDEL has brought together 31 youth leaders and local stakeholders (24 male, 7 female) to strengthen knowledge and skills to prevent violent extremism, drug abuse, criminal recruitment and radicalisation.Through interactive learning, participants explored the drivers of radicalisation and the importance of early prevention, rehabilitation, safe reintegration and community resilience.Together, we're empowering young people to become champions of peace, safety and resilience in their communities.
#PreventViolentExtremism #PCVE #YouthEmpowerment #CommunityResilience #PreventDrugUse #UYDEL #UNODC #Namayingo
UYDEL, in partnership with UNODC, convened a District Stakeholders Reflection Meeting in Namayingo District, bringing together 33 stakeholders from government, police, health, legal services, youth and women's groups, religious and cultural institutions to strengthen community safety and prevention.
The meeting reflected on emerging drug trends, youth crime, violence, referral pathways and practical action planning. Stakeholders commended the impact of UYDEL's school and community-based prevention programmes, noting their role in helping young people make healthier, safer choices.The Deputy RDC emphasized the need for stronger teamwork, coordination and collaboration to accelerate the district's development.Together, we are strengthening prevention, protecting young people and building safer, healthier and more resilient communities.
#UYDEL #UNODC #DrugPrevention #CrimePrevention #CommunitySafety #YouthEmpowerment .
NAMAYINGO DISTRICT STAKEHOLDERS MEETING
Organised by Uganda Youth Development Link @uydel_2019
The Uganda Youth Development Link @uydelx today convened a District Stakeholders Meeting at the *Namayingo District Council Hall.
The meeting brought together district officials, security, civil society, and community leaders to discuss key issues around youth empowerment, crime prevention, and community development under the partnership with UNODC.
Stakeholders engaged on strengthening collaboration to promote safety, health, and productive livelihoods for young people in Namayingo District.
#UYDEL #NamayingoDistrict #YouthEmpowerment #CrimePrevention
@uydel_2019 and @uydelx
Deputy director Madam Anna Nabulya during the Namayingo stakeholders meeting said;
"Traditionally, rehabilitation interventions have mainly focused on individuals, but our approach is community-based and specifically designed for young people. As you will notice from our materials, our mission and vision are centered on empowering young people.
We envision a society where every young person is free from exploitation and abuse, resilient, and able to enjoy a good quality of life. That is what we stand for, and those are the values that guide our work. We are here to advocate for and support young people.
You may say there are no longer many young people here, but I believe some of you are still within the youth bracket, while others are just transitioning into the next stage of adulthood."
@uydel_2019 and @uydelx
Deputy director Madam Anna Nabulya during the Namayingo stakeholders meeting said;
"Traditionally, rehabilitation interventions have mainly focused on individuals, but our approach is community-based and specifically designed for young people. As you will notice from our materials, our mission and vision are centered on empowering young people.
We envision a society where every young person is free from exploitation and abuse, resilient, and able to enjoy a good quality of life. That is what we stand for, and those are the values that guide our work. We are here to advocate for and support young people.
You may say there are no longer many young people here, but I believe some of you are still within the youth bracket, while others are just transitioning into the next stage of adulthood."
Over 300 students at Town View PEAS High School in Bugiri were empowered to make informed choices that protect their future.
Using the #RiverOfLife approach, UYDEL engaged learners on peer pressure, drug & substance abuse, human trafficking, discipline, and making positive life decisions.
💬 "I will focus on my education and dreams because I want to be a doctor," shared an S.2 student.
The school's Peace Club continues to grow, with new members joining to champion peace, safety, and resilience. Football & netball teams also received sports balls, while outstanding participants were recognized with UYDEL T-shirts.
#UYDEL #DrugPrevention #HumanTrafficking #YouthEmpowerment #PeaceClubs #Bugiri #UNODC
Bugiri District Stakeholders Reflection Meeting
UYDEL successfully convened a District Reflection Meeting at Harmony Hotel, Bugiri, gathering 27 participants (15 males and 12 females). Key stakeholders included representatives from the District Internal Security Office (DISO), Uganda Police Force (DPC, CLO), LC V leadership, and various religious leaders.
The meeting provided a valuable platform to:
- Reflect on project progress and field experiences.
- Discuss emerging trends in drug and substance abuse, youth crime, and school-based risks.
- Share district experiences and strengthen multi-sectoral collaboration.
Together, participants identified priority risk areas, explored practical prevention strategies, and developed action points to enhance coordinated responses among schools, security agencies, local leaders, faith-based institutions, and community stakeholders.
Today, UYDEL, together with UNICEF, UNHCR, KCCA and NGO partners, launched the Adolescent and Young People's Empowerment Program (AYEP)—a social protection program that will reach 2,000 adolescents on the move, including refugees, through a Cash Plus approach that strengthens protection, resilience and opportunities.
"Every adolescent on the move deserves protection, opportunity, and hope. Through strong partnerships and inclusive social protection, we can build resilience and ensure that no young person is left behind."
— Mr. Mondo Kyateka, Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development
Together, we're building safer futures for adolescents on the move.
#UYDEL #UNICEF #UNHCR #AYPEP #SocialProtection #EndHumanTrafficking #YouthEmpowerment
UYDEL's 2026 Programme Snapshot showcases the impact of integrated youth programming in just six months:
📚 37,828 students reached
🛡️ 2,931 through community policing
❤️ 1,160 linked to SRHR services
🤱 531 young mothers supported
💼 375 trained in vocational skills
🗣️ 366 engaged through Youth VoicesTogether, we're building resilient, empowered communities for every young person.#UYDEL #YouthEmpowerment #ChildProtection #Uganda #LeaveNoOneBehind
Uganda Youth Development Link (UYDEL) cordially invites you to a free webinar titled "Beyond the Classroom: What Social Work Students Must Know About Children and Youth Work in Uganda" a timely and insightful session designed to bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world practice in children and youth social work.
UGANDA YOUTH DEVELOPMENT LINK is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: BEYOND THE CLASSROOM: What Social Work srudents must know about Children and Youth work in Uganda.
Time: Jul 21, 2026 11:00 Africa/Kampala
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Meeting ID: 837 2913 7277
Passcode: 488717
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UYDEL today under the Uzazi Salama Programme conducted a capacity-building session for 38 Village Health Teams (VHTs), healthcare workers, and Maternal Wing in-charges from Nakawa, Makindye, Kampala Central, Rubaga, and Kawempe Divisions on Youth-Friendly Services (YFS) to strengthen the identification, follow-up, and referral of adolescent pregnant girls and young mothers.
The training forms part of UYDEL's broader efforts to strengthen community systems for drug use prevention, crime prevention, and violence reduction by equipping frontline service providers to address underlying vulnerabilities, promote early intervention, and improve access to comprehensive health, psychosocial, and protection services for at-risk adolescents and young mothers.
#Worlddrugday2026
Sport has the power to prevent. Prevention has the power to transform lives.
As part of the 2026 World Drug Day commemoration under the theme, "World Drug Problem: Persisting Issues, New Challenges, Innovative Responses," Uganda Youth Development Link (UYDEL), with support from UNODC, is holding a Sports for Health Gala at the Medical Playgrounds in Bugiri District, bringing together over 500 young people to champion healthy, drug-free lifestyles.
The tournament features 8 football teams and 4 netball teams, creating a vibrant platform where young people are demonstrating teamwork, discipline, resilience, and positive community engagement. Beyond the competition, the event is promoting drug use prevention, healthy living, mental wellbeing, peacebuilding, and informed decision-making among young people.
Through the power of sport, we are showing that prevention begins with creating safe spaces where young people can thrive, build positive relationships, and become champions for healthier and safer communities.
Together, we continue to invest in prevention, strengthen youth resilience, and inspire a future free from the harms of drugs and crime.
#WorldDrugDay2026 #SportsForHealth #InvestInPrevention #DrugPrevention #HealthyYouth #YouthEmpowerment #FootballForChange #NetballForHealth #Bugiri #UYDEL #UNODC
Today, UYDEL, in partnership with the UNODC Kampala Office, brought together over 500 young people at the Medical Playgrounds in Bugiri District for an exciting Sports Gala as part of the 2026 World Drug Day commemoration.
Young people are actively participating in football and netball matches, using sport as a platform to promote teamwork, healthy lifestyles, positive choices, and resilience against alcohol and drug use, crime, violence, and other risk behaviours.
Beyond the competition, the gala is creating opportunities for prevention messaging, peer engagement, and strengthening community solidarity, demonstrating that investing in young people through positive recreation is a powerful strategy for building safer and healthier communities.
World Drug Day 2026 Theme: "World drug problem: Persisting issues, new challenges, innovative responses."
#WorldDrugDay #2026 #UYDEL #UNODC #Bugiri #YouthEmpowerment #SportForDevelopment #DrugPrevention #CrimePrevention #HealthyYouth #CommunityResilience
UYDEL, with support from the UNODC Kampala Office, successfully conducted a school outreach session at Town View Peas High School in Bugiri District as part of commemoration of the #WorldDrugDay2026, reaching over 500 learners with evidence-based messages on the prevention of drug use, crime, and violence.
The outreach aimed to increase awareness of the risks associated with alcohol and other drug use, strengthen protective factors among young people, promote positive behaviour change, and equip learners with practical life skills to resist negative peer influence, make informed decisions, and seek support when faced with challenges.
Through interactive discussions and role-play sessions, learners demonstrated an increased understanding of the consequences of substance use, crime, and violence, while committing to become champions of peace, healthy lifestyles, and safer school communities.
One of the key lessons that emerged from the role play was the importance of young people confiding in trusted adults, particularly their teachers, whenever they face challenges or are exposed to risky situations. The session also underscored the value of honesty, openness, and responsible decision-making as essential life skills for preventing drug use, violence, and involvement in crime.
@deevahmuk