Our Structure
Hands of Hope Initiative is a youth-led, youth-focused organisation. Our team of six passionate young people drives every programme, every partnership, and every breakthrough we achieve.
Registered under KCA · Registration No. K1621 · Founded 2015
Who We Are
Hands of Hope Initiative (HOHI) is a youth-led and youth-focused organisation formed in 2015. We are registered under KCA with registration number K1621. HOHI works within a broad aim of enhancing efforts in promoting gender justice, sexual and reproductive health, economic empowerment, and leadership and mentorship for effective decision-making among young people.
We work to ensure that young people are able to realise their full potential and come up with innovative solutions to their problems as individuals within their communities. We believe that information is fundamental to the wellbeing and holistic development of young people — but there is also a need to be equipped with life skills that can meet our needs. That is why HOHI works to provide hands-on skills to out-of-school youths as a means of empowerment, ensuring that young people live a quality life coupled with dignity, equality, and the ability to sustain their livelihoods.
Our Vision
"A community where young people are healthy, wealthy, and empowered."
Our Mission
"To promote sustainable development and equity among young people through mentorship, economic empowerment, and sensitisation."
What We Stand For
Transparency
We operate with openness and accountability in everything we do — from how we spend funds to how we report our impact.
Team Work
We believe that collective effort achieves far more than any individual. Our team, our partners, and our communities work as one.
Respect for Diversity
We celebrate the diversity of the communities we serve and ensure every person is treated with dignity, regardless of background.
Equity
We are committed to fairness — ensuring that the most marginalised young people receive the support they need to thrive.
Unity
We bring communities, organisations, and individuals together around a shared belief: that every young person deserves a better future.
Our Team
Our dream team is made up of six young, dynamic, and enthusiastic people who are passionate about empowering young people towards achieving sustainable development.
Nabukenya Sophia
Qualifications
MA Gender Studies, Makerere University · PGD International Gender Studies, University of Iceland · BA Social Sciences, Makerere University
Focus Area
Overall leadership, strategy, and organisational direction
Ssenange Sarah
Economic Empowerment, Gender & Safety
Qualifications
BA Social Sciences, Makerere University
Nalubega Solea W.
Sexual & Reproductive Health
Qualifications
BA Social Sciences, Makerere University · Cert. HIV Counselling & Guidance, SO Training Centre
Khabele Joan
Programme Manager — Administration
Qualifications
BA Social Sciences, Makerere University · Cert. HIV Counselling & Guidance, SO Training Centre
Jane Ntege
Sexual & Reproductive Health
Qualifications
BA Social Sciences, Makerere University
Namugenyi Mary C.
Counselling & Guidance
Qualifications
BA Social Sciences, Makerere University
Our Thematic Areas
HOHI's work is organised around five interconnected thematic areas, each addressing a critical need in the lives of young people across Uganda.
Gender Justice
We work to foster the reduction and elimination of negative cultural and gender stereotypes that limit girls and young women's potential in political, social, economic, ecological, legal, and technological spaces. We create safe spaces for girls and young women through crime mitigation, policy advocacy, and the prevention of violence against women and girls.
Sexual & Reproductive Health
This programme ensures that young men and women are aware of their reproductive rights, roles, and needs. Its purpose is to guarantee that young people are able to make informed choices regarding their sexuality and holistic health wellbeing. Our areas of concern include child marriage, teenage pregnancy, menstrual hygiene management, violence against women and girls, and healthy relationships.
Economic Empowerment
Uganda has one of the world's youngest populations, with over 78% below the age of 30 and one of the highest youth unemployment rates in sub-Saharan Africa. This programme promotes entrepreneurship and skills development among young people. Trained youth are encouraged to form saving groups and revolving funds for sustainability, with practical skills in business planning, bookkeeping, and income generation.
Leadership & Mentorship
Less than 10% of girls actively take part in leadership and decision-making processes in Uganda. HOHI encourages young people to be more proactive within their communities by providing the necessary information and support through career guidance, life skills, and leadership mentorship — for both in-school and out-of-school young people.
Welfare
Children below the age of 15 constitute 48.1% of Uganda's overall population. This programme ensures children are healthy socially, physically, and psychologically through referrals, trainings, counselling, and mentorship. We support the most vulnerable children with scholastic materials and receive reports of possible child abuse, exploitation, and neglect — referring cases to the police or partner organisations where needed.
Our Strategies
Community Empowerment
HOHI uses a community empowerment strategy to deliver programmes targeting sexual and reproductive health, skills training, menstrual hygiene management, youth empowerment, leadership, and governance — through partnerships with communities, aligned government authorities, and development partners.
Gender-Based & Rights-Based Approach
We use a holistic and integrated approach to improve knowledge, attitudes, and practices within communities on relevant issues — ensuring that gender equality and human rights are at the centre of everything we do.
Creativity & Innovation
We incorporate innovative strategies to reach and engage youth, leaders, and other stakeholders through partnerships, social media, advocacy, accountability, and community empowerment and engagement.
Join Our Team.
We are always looking for passionate, skilled people to join our mission. Whether as a volunteer, partner, or staff member — there is a place for you at Hands of Hope Initiative.
Get Involved