Youth Platform Africa (YPA) stands as a testament to the power of grassroots innovation, resilience, and youth-driven transformation in Uganda. Founded in 2008 as an ordinary village group of just 21 individuals meeting under a tree in Gomba district, YPA has evolved into one of Uganda’s most dynamic youth empowerment organizations, now boasting over 13,000 active members and three fully operational branches across the country.

By 2010, YPA had transitioned into a community-based organization with a committed membership of 60, forming the nucleus of its Board of Governors, Executive Committee, and Managing Directors. Driven by a vision to empower youth and create sustainable livelihoods, YPA steadily expanded its reach and impact. Membership subscriptions grew from the original 21 to a robust network of over 13,000, reflecting a broad and inclusive approach to youth engagement.

YPA’s journey is marked by remarkable achievements in agribusiness and rural development:

• Goat Rearing: Starting with just 7 goats, YPA scaled up to 100 and now manages over 130,000 goats, making it a leading player in Uganda’s livestock sector.
• Maize Farming: From a single acre, YPA’s maize cultivation now spans more than 36,000 acres, demonstrating the transformative potential of youth-led commercial agriculture.
• Beekeeping and Agroforestry: The organization operates 10,000 beehives and manages over 3 square miles of eucalyptus trees, promoting biodiversity, environmental sustainability, and value addition.
• Community Enterprises: YPA runs an operational restaurant at the heart of Gomba, providing employment and showcasing agro-based products, while a manure fertilizer factory supports both their farms and the wider community.

YPA’s impact has not gone unnoticed. President Museveni commended YPA’s role in propagating the message of economic empowerment among young Ugandans. This he said aligns with national strategies to transition households from subsistence to market-oriented production.

Yesterday, a small team led by YPA’s Managing Director met with their Patron, Col. Edith Nakalema at State House Investors’ Protection Unit (SHIPU) to update her on progress of activities. Col. Nakalema praised YPA’s commitment to innovation, industrialization, and creative thinking, particularly in the areas of goat agribusiness, beekeeping, and plans for value addition through a Hides and Skins Factory.

YPA’s story is a powerful example of how youth, when organized and empowered, can drive economic growth, create jobs, and foster sustainable development. Through partnerships with government agencies like SHIPU and the mentorship of leaders such as Col. Nakalema, YPA continues to inspire a new generation of young investors and change-makers in Uganda.

As YPA looks to the future, its commitment to innovation, integrity, and community service remains unwavering - proving that with vision and collective action, youth can be the engine of national transformation.