Judul : Young Innovators Secure Sh1.7 Billion via I-Upshift Program
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Young Innovators Secure Sh1.7 Billion via I-Upshift Program

The National I-UPSHIFT Youth Social Innovation Summit 2025 was held in Kampala, concluding with a significant award event where more than sh1.7 billion in initial funding was given to remarkable youth-driven initiatives. The honors recognized the most creative social businesses developed via the i-UPSHIFT initiative, enabling young individuals to drive lasting transformation within their neighborhoods.
The Integrated Upshift (i-UPSHIFT) initiative was a program focused on fostering social innovation and entrepreneurial skills among underprivileged young people, carried out together by the International Labour Organization (ILO) and UNICEF Uganda. By means of engaging bootcamps, guidance from mentors, and financial support, participants gained the ability to create, build, and carry out meaningful projects that tackled significant social issues within their local areas.
Social innovation involves a dedication to discovering novel approaches to address challenges," stated Evans Lwanga, Chief Technical Officer at ILO. "It provides us with methods to confront issues and ensure positive changes in people's lives.
The initiative provided young individuals with seven essential 21st-century abilities such as problem-solving, analytical thinking, innovation and self-assurance, effective communication and leadership, cooperation and group work, optimism about the future, personal identity, and self-worth. These competencies enabled youth to become agents of change who improved their communities and motivated others to contribute to positive societal impact.
The International Labour Organization, in collaboration with implementing partners Unleashed, New Life Horizon NELHIN, RICE West Nile, Windle International Uganda, and Wezesha Impact, carried out the i-UPSHIFT project in various refugee and host communities throughout Uganda. The program sought to enable 1,200 young individuals to develop into effective entrepreneurs and community innovators.
Today was a tribute to the strength of young people," said Solomon Kayiwa Mugambe, Executive Director of Wezesha Impact. "We remain convinced that when youth are equipped with the proper skills, they not only take part in shaping the future but are actively building it. Throughout the months, we witnessed innovation in villages and communities. This summit brought everyone together and motivated each other. We believe no young person should be neglected. They possess the abilities to transform their communities. Young people represent a promise, not an issue.
Numerous young people encountered the issue of scarce investment resources," stated guest of honor Timothy Ssejjoba from the Ministry of Education and Sports. "You showed that innovation begins with the challenges that matter to you. This summit coincided with the government's efforts to enhance and generate opportunities. The government remains committed to supporting skills through programs such as PDM.
The 2025 Summit served as the concluding event of the i-UPSHIFT initiative, uniting all five participating organizations to honor the accomplishments of young innovators. Seventy-two exceptional youth groups received Innovation Development Grants, with amounts varying between UGX 18.4 million, UGX 11.05 million, and UGX 7.37 million.
The gathering drew government representatives, development allies, private sector executives, and individuals involved in the innovation and entrepreneurship landscape. It offered a top-tier national venue for young inventors from both refugee and local communities to present their ideas, connect with business leaders, and discover possibilities for partnership and funding.
The Summit also included displays of the most innovative youth-driven projects, alongside hands-on activities and chances to connect, all designed to create a nurturing atmosphere for the upcoming wave of Ugandan leaders.
Copyright 2025 The Independent. All rights reserved. Distributed by AllAfrica Global Media (okay1).
Tagged: Uganda, East Africa
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