- Many young people face challenges in accessing quality education due to factors such as poverty. The education system experiences high drop-out rates, particularly at the primary and secondary levels, mainly due to financial constraints and early marriages.
Unemployment is a major challenge among young people in Uganda. Many young people lack the necessary skills and education required for available job opportunities.
- Poverty often leads to limited access to healthcare, leaving young people vulnerable to preventable diseases and health conditions
- Gender inequality is a pervasive issue in Uganda, particularly affecting young people. The unequal treatment and opportunities faced by individuals based on their gender have significant social and economic consequences.
- Gender-based violence, including domestic violence and sexual assault, is a prevalent issue. Young women and girls are particularly vulnerable, facing physical, emotional, and psychological harm.
- Young people have limited representation and participation in decision-making processes, both at the community and national levels.
- Young people face limited access to financial resources and employment opportunities. This leads to economic dependency and hinders their ability to achieve financial stability and independence.
Several young people are vulnerable to ill health resulting from unintended pregnancies, Sexually Transmitted Infections and HIV/AIDS. Orphans and vulnerable children, young people in informal employment, young people involved in early marriages and out-of-school youth are particularly affected
- Inadequate access to Social and Economic development information and services, including HIV prevention information, puts young people at risk of infection and unintended pregnancies. The risk is also compounded by lack of quality Youth-friendly services, inability to make informed decisions, poor negotiation skills and consequently poor control over their Social and Economic development and lives.
- Existing social infrastructure is weak and often lacks the requisite capacity and competencies to address young people’s needs and concerns.
