Where do young people hear about drugs today? 🌐

Join UYDEL and ISSUP for an engaging webinar on Youth at the Centre of Digital Prevention, exploring evidence-based drug prevention through social media.

📅 Friday, 6 Nov 2026
⏰ 12–1 PM EAT
💻 Zoom Webinar
Featuring Dr. Rogers nus C. Ibe, Agnes Kakwera and Mukhtar Aliyu Usman.
Let's put young people at the centre of digital prevention!

Agnes Kakwera and Mukhtar Aliyu Usman.
Let's put young people at the centre of digital prevention!

Register in advance for this meeting:
us06web.zoom.us/meeting/regist…

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

#UYDEL #ISSUP #DigitalPrevention #YouthEngagement

UYDEL was represented by Mr Mutaawe Rogers, Senior Programs Manager, and Mrs Ochen Linda Social Worker/ Leadmentor at the National Social Protection Dialogue 2026 at Kampala Serena Hotel.

Theme: From Vulnerability to Resilience: Social Protection & Uganda’s 10-Fold Growth Straotection

UYDEL, under the #UzaziSalama Programme, is building staff capacity at Masooli Rehabilitation Centre, with 20+ staff exploring adolescent motherhood, maternal health, trauma, stigma & discrimination.

Social workers are strengthening trauma-informed case management to better suppng mothers with dignity and care.

#UYDEL #AdolescentHealth

UYDEL was represented by Ms. Kakwera Agnes , Social Worker and Youth Crime Prevention Officer, and Mr.Opio Emmanuel, who is Chairperson of the Youth Advisory Board under the Voices for Change Project, at the Symposium on Substance Abuse, Addiction, HIV Prevention and Young n 28 October 2026 at Makerere University’s School of Public Health Auditorium.
Drawing on the Universal Prevention Curriculum (UPC) approach, discussions explored how psychoactive substances affect the brain, judgement, behaviour and overall wellbeing, including their connection to increased HIV vulnerability.
UYDEL highlighted the importance of evidence-based prevention through life skills, sports, music, dance and drama, vocational training and meaningful youth engagement. Emphasis was also placed on ending stigma and discrimination, promoting compassionate, non-judgemental approaches, and ensuring access to HIV prevention and treatment, substance use treatment, counselling and recovery support.
Prevention saves lives, treatment restores hope, and ending stigma encourages people to seek help.

#UYDEL #HIVPrevention #SubstanceUsePrevention #EndStigma #YouthHealth
@UNODC @WFAD_info @Sida @Makerere

UYDEL was represented by Ms. Kakwera Agnes , Social Worker and Youth Crime Prevention Officer, and Mr.Opio Emmanuel, who is Chairperson of the Youth Advisory Board under the Voices for Change Project, at the Symposium on Substance Abuse, Addiction, HIV Prevention and Young n 28 October 2026 at Makerere University’s School of Public Health Auditorium.
Drawing on the Universal Prevention Curriculum (UPC) approach, discussions explored how psychoactive substances affect the brain, judgement, behaviour and overall wellbeing, including their connection to increased HIV vulnerability.
UYDEL highlighted the importance of evidence-based prevention through life skills, sports, music, dance and drama, vocational training and meaningful youth engagement. Emphasis was also placed on ending stigma and discrimination, promoting compassionate, non-judgemental approaches, and ensuring access to HIV prevention and treatment, substance use treatment, counselling and recovery support.
Prevention saves lives, treatment restores hope, and ending stigma encourages people to seek help.

#UYDEL #HIVPrevention #SubstanceUsePrevention #EndStigma #YouthHealth
@UNODC @WFAD_info @Sida @Makerere

Strengthening Partnerships, Empowering Young People and Transforming Lives!
On 28th October 2026, Uganda Youth Development Link (UYDEL), in partnership with Lutheran World Federation (LWF), welcomed a representative from Icelandic Church Aid (ICA) for a monitoring field visit ment Project (YEP) Phase III in Kampala.
The visit provided an opportunity to showcase the project's impact through vocational skills training, internships, employment opportunities, sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) education, and Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs).
Through interactions with young people, peer educators, savings groups and employed graduates, the visit highlighted how integrated youth empowerment interventions contribute to improved livelihoods, economic independence, resilience and sustainable community development.
UYDEL extends its sincere appreciation to Icelandic Church Aid and Lutheran World Federation for their continued partnership and commitment to empowering vulnerable young people to build brighter, more productive futures.
#UYDEL #IcelandicChurchAid #LWF #YouthEmpowerment #YEPPhaseIII #SkillsDevelopment #SustainableLivelihoods #TransformingLives
@lutheranworld

Strengthening Partnerships, Empowering Young People and Transforming Lives!
On 28th October 2026, Uganda Youth Development Link (UYDEL), in partnership with Lutheran World Federation (LWF), welcomed a representative from Icelandic Church Aid (ICA) for a monitoring field visit ment Project (YEP) Phase III in Kampala.
The visit provided an opportunity to showcase the project's impact through vocational skills training, internships, employment opportunities, sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) education, and Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs).
Through interactions with young people, peer educators, savings groups and employed graduates, the visit highlighted how integrated youth empowerment interventions contribute to improved livelihoods, economic independence, resilience and sustainable community development.
UYDEL extends its sincere appreciation to Icelandic Church Aid and Lutheran World Federation for their continued partnership and commitment to empowering vulnerable young people to build brighter, more productive futures.
#UYDEL #IcelandicChurchAid #LWF #YouthEmpowerment #YEPPhaseIII #SkillsDevelopment #SustainableLivelihoods #TransformingLives
@lutheranworld

Highlights from the Ongoing 12th National Youth Summit on Drug and Substance Abuse Prevention in Abuja, Nigeria! 🇳🇬🌍
The 12th National Youth Summit on Drug and Substance Abuse Prevention is taking place from 27th–29th October 2026 at the Main Auditorium, Federal Ministry of ss District, Abuja, Nigeria.
The summit brings together youth leaders, prevention practitioners, policymakers, civil society organisations and international stakeholders to strengthen collective efforts towards evidence-based drug and substance use prevention, youth empowerment and the promotion of healthier, safer and drug-free communities.
Uganda Youth Development Link (UYDEL) is proudly represented by its Executive Director, Dr. Rogers Kasirye, joining other prevention experts and stakeholders in advancing discussions on effective prevention strategies, meaningful youth participation, international collaboration and sustainable responses to substance use challenges affecting young people across Africa and beyond.
The summit provides an important platform for knowledge exchange, networking and strengthening partnerships among stakeholders, including organisations and networks such as the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the Vienna NGO Committee on Drugs (VNGOC), the World Federation Against Drugs (WFAD), and youth-led prevention initiatives.
UYDEL's participation underscores its continued commitment to advancing prevention science, strengthening youth resilience and promoting evidence-based interventions that address substance use, crime and related vulnerabilities. Such international engagements are essential in strengthening partnerships, sharing promising practices and amplifying African perspectives in global drug prevention efforts.
Together, we can empower young people to become champions of prevention and agents of positive change in their communities.

#UYDEL #YouthSummit2026 #SubstanceUsePrevention #PreventionScience #DrugFreeCommunities #YouthEmpowerment #AbujaNigeria
@UNODC @WFAD_info @Sida @issupnet @ColomboPlan

The Music,dance and drama show conducted on 23/10/2026 at Kireka farmers market, gave Youth Advisory Board (YAB) members an engaging platform to use music, dance and drama to communicate messages through relatable, everyday situations. By developing and performing these stories, ork, creativity, leadership and public speaking while taking an active role in community sensitisation.
Reaching over 116 young people at Kireka Farmers Market,the show encouraged reflection on substance use prevention, positive parenting, informed decision-making and community responsibility.This peer-led approach can make messages easier to understand and relate to, positioning YAB members as positive role models and encouraging young people to make safer choices.

#VoicesForChange #YouthAdvisoryBoard #SubstanceUsePrevention #YouthLedChange #PositiveParenting #CommunityResponsibility
@Sida @WFAD_info

The Music,dance and drama show conducted on 23/10/2026 at Kireka farmers market, gave Youth Advisory Board (YAB) members an engaging platform to use music, dance and drama to communicate messages through relatable, everyday situations. By developing and performing these stories, ork, creativity, leadership and public speaking while taking an active role in community sensitisation.
Reaching over 116 young people at Kireka Farmers Market,the show encouraged reflection on substance use prevention, positive parenting, informed decision-making and community responsibility.This peer-led approach can make messages easier to understand and relate to, positioning YAB members as positive role models and encouraging young people to make safer choices.

#VoicesForChange #YouthAdvisoryBoard #SubstanceUsePrevention #YouthLedChange #PositiveParenting #CommunityResponsibility
@Sida @WFAD_info

Over 500 learners at Grace High School Kasangati participated in a school outreach session conducted today, focusing on the prevention of drug use, crime, violence, sexual exploitation and human trafficking.
The participatory session engaged learners in discussions on recognising ve peer pressure and making informed decisions. Students explored practical refusal skills, decision-making and assertiveness, including how to confidently say “no,” communicate their boundaries respectfully and seek support from trusted adults when faced with unsafe situations.
The discussions encouraged learners to consider the consequences of their choices, respect themselves and others, and take an active role in keeping their school and communities safe. Equipping young people with these skills strengthens their ability to recognise exploitation, respond to pressure and protect their wellbeing while pursuing their education and future goals.
#SchoolOutreach #DrugUsePrevention #ChildProtection #LifeSkills
@UNODC

Over 500 learners at Grace High School Kasangati participated in a school outreach session conducted today, focusing on the prevention of drug use, crime, violence, sexual exploitation and human trafficking.
The participatory session engaged learners in discussions on recognising ve peer pressure and making informed decisions. Students explored practical refusal skills, decision-making and assertiveness, including how to confidently say “no,” communicate their boundaries respectfully and seek support from trusted adults when faced with unsafe situations.
The discussions encouraged learners to consider the consequences of their choices, respect themselves and others, and take an active role in keeping their school and communities safe. Equipping young people with these skills strengthens their ability to recognise exploitation, respond to pressure and protect their wellbeing while pursuing their education and future goals.
#SchoolOutreach #DrugUsePrevention #ChildProtection #LifeSkills
@UNODC

Day Five of the Universal Prevention Curriculum (UPC) Core Training at the National Drug Authority (NDA) head offices in Kampala, as NDA strengthens its workforce in evidence-based substance use prevention.
Organised by NDA, delivered by UYDEL and supported by the Colombo Plan, quipped 22 pharmacists with knowledge and skills to apply prevention science, promote responsible medicine use and prevent substance-related harm.
In his appreciation remarks, the Secretary to the Authority, Dr. David Nahamya, appreciated the trainers and participants for their commitment and enthusiasm throughout the training. He emphasised NDA’s strong interest in substance use prevention and expressed its desire to extend the course to professionals in other fields, including clinicians, to strengthen prevention efforts across the health sector.
We look forward to a growing network of skilled prevention practitioners and experts advancing evidence-based interventions and building healthier communities across Uganda.
#UPCTraining #SubstanceUsePrevention #NDA #UYDEL #ColomboPlan
@UNDAuthority @PharmacistsUg @ColomboPlan @WFAD_info @issupnet @UNODC

Day Five of the Universal Prevention Curriculum (UPC) Core Training at the National Drug Authority (NDA) head offices in Kampala, as NDA strengthens its workforce in evidence-based substance use prevention.
Organised by NDA, delivered by UYDEL and supported by the Colombo Plan, quipped 22 pharmacists with knowledge and skills to apply prevention science, promote responsible medicine use and prevent substance-related harm.
In his appreciation remarks, the Secretary to the Authority, Dr. David Nahamya, appreciated the trainers and participants for their commitment and enthusiasm throughout the training. He emphasised NDA’s strong interest in substance use prevention and expressed its desire to extend the course to professionals in other fields, including clinicians, to strengthen prevention efforts across the health sector.
We look forward to a growing network of skilled prevention practitioners and experts advancing evidence-based interventions and building healthier communities across Uganda.
#UPCTraining #SubstanceUsePrevention #NDA #UYDEL #ColomboPlan
@UNDAuthority @PharmacistsUg @ColomboPlan @WFAD_info @issupnet @UNODC

UYDEL’s Senior Programme Manager, Mr. Rogers Mutaawe, shared Uganda’s experience in protecting children from trafficking and exploitation during “Beyond Good Intentions,” a side event at the Thirteenth Session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention rganized Crime in Vienna.
The session examined how poorly regulated volunteer tourism can expose children to trafficking and sexual exploitation, highlighting the need for stronger safeguarding, responsible volunteering and support for families and community-based care.
#ChildProtection #EndHumanTrafficking
@UNODC @MutaaweRogers

UYDEL’s Senior Programme Manager, Mr. Rogers Mutaawe, shared Uganda’s experience in protecting children from trafficking and exploitation during “Beyond Good Intentions,” a side event at the Thirteenth Session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention rganized Crime in Vienna.
The session examined how poorly regulated volunteer tourism can expose children to trafficking and sexual exploitation, highlighting the need for stronger safeguarding, responsible volunteering and support for families and community-based care.
#ChildProtection #EndHumanTrafficking
@UNODC @MutaaweRogers

A lecture on crime prevention, case management, relapse prevention, and refusal skills at Muteesa I Royal University, Main Campus, Masaka, brought together students of social work, social sciences, and other related fields.
The session explored supporting vulnerable individuals, sisting negative peer pressure, and connecting people to appropriate services. Discussions also covered dissertation writing and professional conduct during internships and in the workplace, emphasising ethical behaviour, confidentiality, respectful communication, and professional boundaries.
The session aimed to strengthen students’ academic and practical skills, preparing them to practise responsibly and respond effectively to individual and community needs.
@UNODC @UNODC_OrgCrime @MuteesaIRoyal

NDA continues to strengthen its workforce’s capacity in substance use prevention through Day Three of the Universal Prevention Curriculum (UPC) Core Training, held on 21 October 2026 at its head offices in Kampala. Organised by NDA, delivered by UYDEL and supported by the Colombo ps pharmacists with evidence-based knowledge and skills to prevent substance-related harm and promote healthier communities across Uganda.
#SubstanceUsePrevention #UPCCoreTraining #NDA #UYDEL
@UNDAuthority @PharmacistsUg @ColomboPlan

NDA continues to strengthen its workforce’s capacity in substance use prevention through Day Three of the Universal Prevention Curriculum (UPC) Core Training, held on 21 October 2026 at its head offices in Kampala. Organised by NDA, delivered by UYDEL and supported by the Colombo ps pharmacists with evidence-based knowledge and skills to prevent substance-related harm and promote healthier communities across Uganda.
#SubstanceUsePrevention #UPCCoreTraining #NDA #UYDEL
@UNDAuthority @PharmacistsUg @ColomboPlan

The first day of Life Skills Training under the Voices for Change project was conducted at Banda Youth Centre in Nakawa Division, bringing together 20 vulnerable and disadvantaged young people from urban slum communities in Uganda comprising 6 males and 14 females.
Module One ationships, understanding the challenges young people face, sharing personal interests and setting expectations. Through paired activities, participants interacted, shared their interests and learned more about one another.
One participant shared her experience of interacting with a neighbour who was also attending the training, saying: “In my community, there is a person who is my neighbour and is also part of this training. I used not to talk to her because I used to feel like she shows off. I didn’t want to interact with her. But through the pairs where we were sharing some of our interests, I got to know that, oh, this person can actually speak.”
This demonstrated how the activities helped participants challenge their assumptions, understand one another better and build positive relationships.
Participants also discussed challenges affecting young people in their communities, including being treated as a burden by their families, emotional abuse, pressure to provide for their households and child labour.
One participant shared an example of a 16-year-old girl in their community who works as a house girl and earns Shs.70,000 per month despite working long hours without adequate rest. Participants also discussed how some young people are chased away from home as they enter adolescence, leaving them vulnerable to exploitation and unhealthy relationships, shared a friend who was indirectly forced to go stay with the boyfriend because they said she is grown up to stay alone but had no where to go.
Another concern raised was the pressure young people face when parents expect them to return home with food or money even when they have been studying at the center or are fro church. These experiences can expose young people to emotional distress, trauma and other vulnerabilities.
During the expectation-setting exercise, participants expressed their desire to learn how to control their emotions, communicate with others and set personal goals.
#LifeSkills #VoicesForChange
@Sida @WFAD_info