NIMD in Uganda: Channelling youth leadership for democratic change

A new chapter in a long-standing commitment

Having worked in Uganda for over a decade, NIMD has built a reputation for fostering trust and strengthening democratic processes. Our early work focused on dialogue; bringing different actors to the table to help lay the foundation for a deeper democracy.

While dialogue remains central to our approach in Uganda, we have also developed a new strategic focus toward a powerful driver of change: youth.

Our dedication to youth in politics

Uganda is the second youngest country in the world, with a vibrant, politically engaged youth population. Across the country, youth leaders are already shaping democracy through advocacy and activism on electoral reform, unemployment and human rights. And so, we have turned our focus to harnessing this power, and opening up pathways for young people to actively shape their democracy.

“In Uganda, youth aren’t just the future of democracy; they are the majority. Investing in them is one of the most powerful ways to create lasting impact.”
Primus Bahiigi, NIMD Uganda Director

We believe that even small-scale efforts, when carefully designed, can have a real impact. In a country with millions of engaged young citizens, supporting even a small group of committed and capable young people can catalyze waves of change that go far beyond individual actions.

The Uganda Democracy Academy in 2024

One of our key activities is the Uganda Democracy Academy, where young people gain the knowledge, skills and networks to uphold democratic values and drive long-term change.

The Democracy Academy itself may seem small. But our impact doesn’t come from scale; it comes from strategy. Our key is in targeting motivated democracy advocates from diverse backgrounds. We select participants with care, based on demonstrated potential, a commitment to democratic values, and the ability to lead by example. By identifying those who can become catalysts in their communities, we make a strategic and far-reaching investment in Uganda’s democratic future.

Indeed, in 2024 alumni have already taken up leadership roles in their communities, including Chair of Youth Councillors in Buganda and Vice President of the Uganda Student Association. What’s more, 78% of the alumni have publicly expressed their intention to participate in elective politics through their own political parties, National Youth Councils, National Women’s Council, local government and national political spaces in the 2026 general elections.
And these are just the early signs of a broader shift. With every graduate who steps into public life, facilitates dialogue or champions democratic reform, the influence of the Academy multiplies.

“UDA has made us realize we should and can change from transactional leaders to transformative leaders.”
Uganda Democracy Academy participant

An emphasis on dialogue

In line with NIMD’s strong and enduring belief in dialogue and trustbuilding, the Uganda Democracy Academy also places a strong emphasis on collaboration, trust building and respect.

Our participants represent seven political parties and various national youth structures from across Uganda – bringing different political and ideological
perspectives. The intense 18-day Democracy Academy retreat – alongside extracurricular activities such as nature walks and campfire conversations – foster solidarity and networking among this diverse group of participants.

Indeed, as the course has unfolded, participants have reported being “united in diversity,’ with political party and regional differences giving way to trust and respect.

“Although we are from different political parties and opinions, we can have discussions, agree on solutions, and more importantly, see each other as human beings”
Uganda Democracy Academy participant

This investment in trust is foundational to lasting democratic impact. While they enter the Academy as a group divided by difference, our participants leave with lasting connections; a belief in respectful collaboration across divides; and a strong network of well-informed, skilled and determined young people dedicated to working, not only alone but together, towards a more inclusive and responsive democracy in Uganda.

Opening doors for youth leadership

We also ensure that young leaders can put their skills into practice through platforms like the Multiparty Youth Forum: a platform for cross-party collaboration among young civic and political leaders.

Through this, along with our intergenerational dialogues between established politicians and young leaders, we’re creating real opportunities for youth to shape the political landscape – from uniting their voices behind youth initiatives, to presenting proposals which enhance the meaningful political participation of young people.

Looking ahead: small steps, lasting change

NIMD’s work in Uganda is a testament to the power of starting small but thinking big. By supporting young democracy champions, we are helping plant the seeds of a political culture grounded in dialogue and consensus across political divides.

That’s the vision behind our work, and the reason we’ll continue to walk alongside Uganda’s young changemakers, one step at a time.

The Uganda Democracy Academy (UDA) is implemented by NIMD with support from the Westminster Foundation for Democracy and Demo Finland. UDA is led by WYDE Civic Engagement and powered by the European Union and the European Partnership for Democracy (EPD)