In order to increase the role of youth in leadership, mediation, electoral processes,
conflict resolution, mediation and decision making at all levels, there is need to build
their (Youths) capacity with knowledge and skills to meaningfully participate in decision
making, conflict prevention and resolution.

CoACT organized a 3–day youth leadership boot camp to train youth from Kasese,
Ntungamo, Kabarole and Kampala. The broad topics that were discussed during the
boot camp included a range of leadership skills (priority issues identification and
planning, programme monitoring, public speaking, communication, negotiation,
advocacy; democracy and active citizenship: non-violent strategies of resolving
conflicts; election monitoring and observation, and report writing.

The Youth leadership boot camp was anchored upon the following objectives;
1. To increase youth understanding and appreciation of the Youth Peace and
Security Agenda (YPS).
2. To build the capacity of youths in leadership, conflict prevention and resolution
skills for effective participation in decision making and peace building processes.
3. To increase youth understanding and appreciation of existing opportunities to
meaningfully participate in decision making and peace building processes.

Grace Ahumuza a participant from Kabarole District says “I thank CoACT for giving me
the opportunity to be part of this leadership boot camp have been empowered and I feel
that my capacity in leadership has been increased, i will go and empower other youths, I
have gained self-esteem because I had never made a presentation in front of people
like I did in this boot camp and I feel energized now that I can stand and present a good
idea in front of people.”

The boot camp also increased the capacity of youth to participate in elections and as of
now 3 youths that participated have been nominated to participate in the 2021 general
electoral proceses and these include “Grace Ahumuza as District Youth Councilor
Kabarole district, Juliet Masika –for Municipal councilor Kasese District and Barekye
Gerald –for Youth chairperson for Nyakyera sub county Ntungamo district.