The slums of Kampala are alive with the energy and determination of young men and boys striving to overcome immense challenges. In these communities, poverty, gang culture, and societal pressures create barriers that often feel impossible to break through. For many, the weight of becoming family providers, while battling limited opportunities, only adds to the pressure they are under. Yet, amidst these challenges, our Programmes are offering hope - transforming lives and building futures filled with possibility.
In this blog, I will be discussing the tough challenges that young men in Kampala’s slums are facing—like unemployment, societal pressures, and missing out on education—and how our programmes are stepping in to support them. From teaching practical skills to creating safe spaces, I’ll share how we’re helping them build brighter futures.
Rising above the challenges
Life in Kampala’s slums presents enormous challenges for young men and boys. These densely packed communities are marked by struggles that limit opportunities and weigh heavily on their futures. Poverty, societal expectations, and a lack of resources force many into situations where their potential is left unrealised, and the weight of daily life becomes overwhelming.
Gang culture remains a harsh reality for many boys. It offers a misguided sense of belonging and often pulls them into cycles of violence and danger. Shockingly, 36% of youth in these communities have been victims of weapon-related violence, and many find themselves drawn into gang activity simply to survive. Escaping this life is rarely an option without alternatives or support.
Unemployment is another significant challenge for young men. With over 78% of Uganda’s population under 30, the country’s rapidly growing youth population has far outpaced the available job opportunities. Kampala, in particular, has one of the highest youth unemployment rates in Africa, leaving many young men in the slums struggling to find stable work. 88% of unemployed residents are aged between 15 and 35, and many turn to informal jobs, such as food vending or boda-boda riding, just to get by. Even then, 53% earn less than 100,000 UGX per month, which is barely enough to cover basic needs. The Jobseekers Assessment Report (2012) found that 56% of job seekers were rejected due to low qualifications or a lack of skills, trapping young men in cycles of poverty. This lack of opportunity often forces some into crime or delinquency as a way to survive.
Alongside economic hardship, societal expectations weigh heavily. In many communities in Kampala, young men are expected to shoulder responsibilities far beyond their years. Masculinity is often tied to strength and provision, leaving little space for vulnerability or support. These pressures contribute to widespread mental health struggles, with 23.5% of young men reporting suicidal thoughts—a stark reminder of the hidden battles they face every day.
Amid these challenges, hope persists. Our Programmes on the ground are tackling these systemic issues head-on, empowering young men and boys with the tools and support they need to break the cycle of poverty and build brighter futures.
Creating change through hope and opportunity
In the slums of Kampala, where children and families are battling poverty, Kids Club Kampala’s Programmes are a lifeline. They are not just about offering services; they are about restoring dignity, building resilience, and creating lasting change for young men, boys, and their communities. Every child and youth touched by these initiatives has a story of transformation, of hope reclaimed, and of futures reimagined.
The Skilling Programme equips boys with hands-on carpentry skills through a 12-month course in Katanga. Upon graduation, participants earn government-accredited qualifications and the tools to start businesses or secure stable jobs. In 2024, 12 young men completed the Programme, each leaving with a skill that could provide for their families, break cycles of instability, and chart their own paths toward success.
Through the Education Programme, children, including young boys who dropped out of school or had been excluded from learning, now have access to free daily classes in Katanga, Naguru, and Namuwongo. In 2024, 90 children attended classes every day, while 176 were sponsored to attend formal schools. Beyond education, this Programme removes barriers like fees and uniforms, ensuring children have the tools to succeed and remain safe while doing so.
The Ewafe Project provides a lifeline for boys and girls who are abandoned or at risk. In 2024, 14 children, including several teenage boys, were reunited with their families, while 84 remained in the care of our Ewafe Project. These boys, many of whom had faced neglect, are now receiving the stability and care they need to rebuild their lives and envision brighter futures.
For teenage boys, the Football Project offers mentorship both on and off the pitch. Weekly sessions in Naguru and Namuwongo focus on teamwork, discipline, and emotional growth, creating a supportive space for boys to thrive. In 2024, 64 boys attended regularly, leaving each session stronger, more confident, and better prepared for life’s challenges.
Finally, the Saturday Kids Clubs bring joy to up to 1,000 children every week across 10 slum communities, with many young boys attending to find a safe space to play, learn, and connect alongside their peers. These clubs are more than a place to play—they are safe spaces where boys can be themselves, build friendships, and find guidance from dedicated mentors. These Programmes are not just about addressing poverty—they are about equipping young males with the skills, confidence, and opportunities to take control of their futures.
Hope for the future
Change is not just possible—it is happening. At Kids Club Kampala, we envision a future where every young man in Kampala’s slums has the opportunity to thrive, free from the cycles of poverty. This is a future where boys grow up with the skills, confidence, and support they need to build better lives for themselves, their families, and their communities.
Our vision extends beyond immediate impact. It’s about creating lasting, sustainable change—reducing poverty, building safer communities, and inspiring the next generation to dream bigger. This isn’t a journey we can take alone. Join us in making this vision a reality. Donate or set up a regular gift today to help shape a brighter future for Kampala’s youth.
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