Empowering Youth Since 2022

We Are The Solution

Youth-Led Change Through Art & Advocacy

We pioneer innovative, arts-based solutions that speak to youth in their own language, creating safe spaces for dialogue about topics often shrouded in silence and stigma.

1,200+

Youth Engaged

6

Regions

2

Exhibitions

Youth empowerment
Art exhibition
💜

10M

Hearts Campaign

Mission Statement

Empowering Through Art

To empower Ugandan youth through innovative, arts-based solutions that address HIV/AIDS, mental health, and gender equality, fostering awareness, breaking barriers, and building resilient communities.

Vision Statement

Thriving Future

A Uganda where every young person thrives in good health, free from stigma, with equal access to opportunities for growth and self-expression.

Inspirational Story

The Power of Art & Healing

Dr. Lilian Nabulime

A renowned sculptor and academic, Dr. Nabulime's journey is one of resilience. After losing her husband and father to HIV/AIDS, she transformed her grief into a powerful tool for advocacy. Her PhD research focuses on using sculpture to break the silence and stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS, proving that art can speak where words fail.

"Art became my voice, my healing, and my way to touch the lives of others."

Our Impact Statistics

1,200+

Youth Directly Engaged

Through transformative programs

2

Art Exhibitions

Permanent public installations

6

Regions Served

Across Uganda

5 Core Objectives

Strategic goals driving our mission to empower Uganda's youth through 2030

01

Combat Stigma Through Creative Advocacy

Use art (music, film, poetry, and visual arts) to challenge misconceptions around HIV/AIDS and mental health, influencing policy and societal attitudes.

02

Expand Access to Youth-Friendly Health Education

Deliver interactive, arts-driven workshops and digital campaigns to educate 5,000+ youth annually on sexual reproductive health, mental wellness, and HIV prevention.

03

Strengthen Local Ownership & Funding

Grow the 10 Million Hearts, 1 Cause Campaign to mobilize Ugandans, especially youth to sustainably fund homegrown solutions, reducing reliance on foreign aid.

04

Build Safe Spaces for Youth Expression & Healing

Establish community art hubs in all six operational regions (Kampala, Gulu, Kotido, Luuka, Arua, Mbarara) where young people access support, creativity, and peer networks.

05

Amplify Youth Voices in National Health Dialogues

Train and platform 500+ young advocates by 2030 to lead campaigns, influence policy, and shape inclusive health programs.

Our Programs

Innovative approaches to youth empowerment through creative expression and community engagement.

Youth creating art for advocacy
01

Advocacy Through Artistry

We don't just talk about change, we create it through powerful artistic expression. Training youth advocates who use creative mediums to influence policy.

Explore Program
Community engagement activities
02

Community Outreach

Grassroots programs reaching youth across six regions with tailored interventions and culturally-sensitive approaches.

Explore Program
Partnership collaboration meeting
03

Strategic Partnerships

Building an ecosystem of support through The 10 Million Hearts Campaign and collaborative initiatives.

Explore Program
Feni Desmond, Executive Director

Feni Desmond

Executive Director

Elpis Initiative Uganda

"
Leadership Message

To the Youth of Uganda and Beyond

As young people, we face some of the greatest challenges of our time: HIV/AIDS and mental health crises that disproportionately affect our generation. These are not just health issues; they are threats to our future, our dreams, and our nation's progress. But I say with a firm belief: we are not victims. We are the solution.

At Elpis Initiative Uganda, we recognize that the fight against HIV and mental health stigma cannot be won with silence or complacency. It requires bold action, innovation, and ownership from us the youth. Too often, we wait for others to solve our problems, but the truth is, no one will care for our future more than we do.

10 Million Hearts, 1 Cause

We must confront our dependency on foreign funding. Real transformation begins when we take responsibility for our own solutions. That's why we champion this initiative - because sustainable change comes from within.

Let's be honest: conventional methods are failing us. At Elpis Initiative Uganda, we break the mold by using creative, relatable, and interactive approaches that truly resonate. Our success reaching over 1,200 young lives in just two years proves that when we meet youth where they are, real change happens.

I call upon every Ugandan - young and old, artist or activist, student or professional - to join us. Support Elpis Initiative Uganda not just for our sake, but for the future of our country.

The time for waiting is over. The power to shape Uganda's future lies in our hands, our voices, and our actions.

Join us. The revolution starts now.

Feni Desmond

Art Exhibition

Our team and community coming together to create change through art

Group photo from our art exhibition
50+ Participants
2 Exhibitions
6 Regions

United Through Art & Purpose

This powerful moment captures the collective spirit of our art exhibition, where youth, volunteers, and community members unite to break stigma and create lasting change through creative expression.

Our exhibitions serve as permanent public installations, transforming personal stories into public dialogue and turning art into a tool for social change and healing.

Community Driven

Youth-led artistic initiatives

Lasting Impact

Permanent public installations

Breaking Stigma

Transforming personal stories

Our Impact in Action

See how we're transforming lives across Uganda's six regions

Mental health support sessions

Mental Health Support

Providing safe spaces and creative therapies for youth dealing with mental health challenges.

Gender equality workshops

Gender Equality

Empowering all genders through education, advocacy, and equal opportunity initiatives.

10 Million Hearts campaign

10 Million Hearts, One Cause

Join Uganda's first youth-led philanthropic movement to mobilize ordinary Ugandans in funding homegrown solutions. More than a fundraising initiative, it's a growing movement that invites every Ugandan to become part of the solution through small but meaningful contributions.

Regions We Serve

Making a difference across Uganda's diverse communities

Kampala
Capital

Kampala

Urban youth engagement through digital and performing arts

Gulu
North

Gulu

Post-conflict mental health support via creative therapies

Kotido
Northeast

Kotido

Culturally-sensitive pastoral community programs

Luuka
East

Luuka

Rural SRHR education through murals and theater

Arua
Northwest

Arua

Border community health initiatives

Mbarara
Southwest

Mbarara

University-focused creative health education

Get Involved Today

Whether you're looking to support our mission, join our team, or access our services, there are many ways to be part of the Elpis family.

Make a donation

Make a Donation

Support our programs with a contribution starting from UGX 20,000 and become an Elpis Partner.

Donate Now
Join our team

Join Our Team

Explore 21 open positions across our six regions and help us expand our impact.

View Careers
Get assistance

Need Assistance?

Access our emergency support services for health-related needs across Uganda.

Get Help

Our Partners

Working together with organizations and institutions to create lasting impact