A community-led nonprofit working for girls, women & youth
ACT Uganda was founded in response to the social and economic challenges affecting girls, young women, and vulnerable households in post-conflict communities of Northern Uganda.
Many families continue to face poverty, school dropout, child marriage, teenage pregnancy, violence, weak livelihood opportunities, and limited access to youth-friendly health information and services.
The organization grew from a belief that lasting change must come from within communities — and that girls and young women should be supported to stay in school, build confidence, access opportunities, and participate in decisions that shape their future.
ACT Uganda was founded in 2018 and officially registered in 2019 as a community-based nonprofit organization. Today, ACT Uganda works closely with schools, health centers, local government, youth groups, women's groups, cultural leaders, and community volunteers to strengthen protection, education, livelihoods, and resilience through practical, locally driven programming.
[Photo: community dialogue session in Padibe East Sub-county]
Legal & Institutional Status
A registered community-based nonprofit organization founded in 2018 and officially registered in 2019.
Geographic Focus
Operating in Uganda, primarily in Padibe East Sub-county, Lamwo District, Northern Uganda.
Founded
2018 — with official registration completed in 2019.
Vision, Mission & Goal
A community where every girl, young woman, and vulnerable young person grows up safe, educated, healthy, empowered, and able to shape their own future.
To empower girls, young women, youth, and vulnerable communities in Lamwo District through education support, SRHR, menstrual health, economic empowerment, climate resilience, leadership development, and community-based protection systems.
To contribute to improved wellbeing, safety, education, resilience, and economic opportunity for girls, young women, youth, and vulnerable communities in Lamwo District through locally led and sustainable development approaches.
Our Core Values
Why ACT Uganda exists
Northern Uganda continues to experience the long-term effects of conflict, poverty, and unequal access to opportunities. Many households face persistent economic hardship, limited services, and social norms that restrict girls' and young women's choices.
In Padibe East Sub-county, girls and young women face barriers that limit their ability to thrive. Poverty, child marriage, teenage pregnancy, school dropout, violence, and limited access to accurate health information continue to affect families and undermine wellbeing.
For many girls, staying in school remains difficult due to school costs, menstruation-related absenteeism, stigma, social pressure, early pregnancy, and household responsibilities. Climate-related challenges such as drought, poor harvests, and environmental degradation further increase household vulnerability — especially for farming families.
[Photo: farming household affected by drought, Lamwo District]