Youth leaders from five northern Uganda districts strengthen social-accountability and advocacy skills

Naguru Teenage Centre convened youth leaders, youth-led civil-society organisations and community-based organisations from Lamwo, Kitgum, Adjumani, Moyo and Obongi for practical training in social accountability, advocacy and leadership.

The 35 participants explored power dynamics, evidence-based advocacy, public-service monitoring and ways to engage duty-bearers on issues affecting young people, particularly sexual and reproductive health and rights and gender-based violence response.

Participants described the training as practical and relevant to their roles. Representatives from youth councils and community organisations planned to share learning with sub-county structures, collaborate with civil society and use facility-level information to understand how services respond to adolescents.

NTC facilitators emphasised that knowledge must lead to action. Youth leaders can mobilise demand and represent their peers, while civil-society actors can complement government systems by reaching communities, documenting barriers and supporting accountability.

The training forms part of NTC's wider effort to strengthen youth leadership in governance and improve community participation in service delivery across northern Uganda.

Next step: Participants return to their districts with responsibility to adapt the tools, engage local structures and translate training outputs into specific accountability actions.