About Us

About Us

We Are KYLI!

History

Our story begins in 2021, when a group of passionate youth in Karamoja came together to create lasting change for their communities.

ABOUT US
Karamoja Youth Livelihood Initiative (KYLI) is a youth-led Community-Based Organization (CBO) established in 2021 in Moroto District, Karamoja sub-region. Our mission is to nurture and promote youth as future leaders and entrepreneurs equipped with integrity, creativity, and a strong work ethic.
In Karamoja, many young people lack access to quality education and skills training, limiting their ability to start businesses or generate employment for themselves and their communities. KYLI believes that transforming lives and creating lasting social change requires a long-term commitment to youth empowerment—not only through job creation but also by enabling young people to become active citizens who advocate for systemic change and a just, sustainable world.
KYLI currently operates in Moroto and Napak Districts, with plans to expand to Amudat, Nakapiripirit, and Nabilatuk. The organization is governed by a Board of Governors, headed by a Chairperson and supported by five other board members representing operations, finance and resources, a secretary (who also chairs the operations board), and an advisor.
Our activities are implemented by a team of dedicated volunteers known as the Operational Body. This team is led by a Chairperson, Vice Chairperson, Secretary, and Treasurer—who also serves as the focal contact person. The Operational Body functions as a voluntary secretariat responsible for implementing policies and guidelines from the Board, led by the Executive Director and supported by program, finance, and administrative staff.
OUR OBJECTIVES
• Promote environmental conservation through smart agriculture practices such as vegetable farming, tree planting, fish farming, and apiculture.
• Advance innovation in solar technology, electronics, ICT, and other relevant technologies.
• Encourage community service among youth, including visiting orphanages, hospitals, and cleaning public spaces.
• Promote value addition to agricultural and household products such as detergents.
• Preserve and promote Karamoja culture through youth-led arts and crafts.
• Combat harmful cultural practices, including female genital mutilation (FGM).
• Sensitize communities on disaster risk reduction and resilience-building approaches.
KYLI collaborates with district councils to implement disaster risk reduction initiatives. All procurement follows standard procedures through a transparent bidding process and an Internal Procurement Committee (IPC), with a zero-tolerance policy on corruption.
OUR THEMATIC AREAS
1. Education & Youth Empowerment
• Mentorship & Career Guidance: Equipping students with leadership, life skills, and career planning.
• Parental Engagement: Encouraging parents to support their children’s education.
• School Retention: Reducing school dropout rates.
• Student Exchange Programs: Promoting learning through cultural and academic exchange.
2. Livelihoods & Economic Empowerment
• Smart Agriculture: Promoting crop and livestock farming, fruit cultivation, and aquaculture.
• Vocational Training: Skills development in:
o Carpentry and metal fabrication
o Tailoring and fashion design
o Agro-processing
o Solar panel installation and electrical work
o Mechanics (motorcycle and vehicle)
o Soap and detergent making
• Institutional Partnerships: Collaborating with vocational training centers.
3. Environment & Climate Resilience
• Tree Planting & Reforestation: Through our “Plant a Tree, Green Karamoja” campaign.
• Water Conservation: Promoting efficient irrigation and harvesting techniques.
• Climate Adaptation: Supporting sustainable farming and land management.
• Community Awareness: Educating communities on climate resilience.

Founding Members

Meet the beautiful Team behind KYLI.

Co-Founder & Finance and Resource Mobilization Manager 

Co-Founder &Field Coordinator .

Come Volunteer with us

We need to reshape our own perception of how we grow and view ourselves. We have to step up as Youth and take the lead.