Reach A Hand Uganda (RAHU) has unveiled the first-ever Impact Forge cohort, a bold new initiative designed to support youth-led and youth-founded organizations. The launch took place during the Billi Now Now (BNN) Summit, held under the theme “Our Voices. Our Power. Our Future.”
BNN is a youth-led movement that empowers over one billion brave young people globally to take control of their lives, health, and futures. The 2025 edition of the summit was held in collaboration with GN Trybe, a behavioral change communication initiative focused on addressing the evolving challenges faced by youth. GN Trybe uses innovative strategies to raise awareness and reduce risks related to Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH), which often hinder access to education, mental wellness, and healthy living.
The Impact Forge provides a year-long mentorship program, including capacity building, access to resources, and support systems to ensure the success of young social entrepreneurs. The inaugural cohort includes 15 participants from various sectors, including: Agriculture, Climate change, Youth livelihood, Education and Social behavioral change.
The initiative reflects a growing recognition of the role youth play in driving change across Uganda and the African continent.
Humphrey Nabimanya, CEO of Reach A Hand Uganda, highlighted the transformative power of BNN.
“Billi Now Now has produced a generation of changemakers who are now advocating for the youth of today and tomorrow,” Nabimanya said.
Mariam Nalukuma, Head of Corporate Affairs at the Insurance Regulatory Authority (IRA), emphasized the need for economic empowerment through financial literacy.
“One of the biggest challenges we face in Africa is unemployment. But even when young people are employed, they often lack the knowledge to make informed financial decisions,” she said.
“Insurance is a powerful tool for financial protection. Even those without formal jobs can access affordable insurance packages to protect themselves from life’s uncertainties.”
Dr. Ruth Grace Kakoba, a gynaecologist and content creator, warned of harmful media trends such as the popular #TeenMom hashtag on social media.
“These trends glamorize teenage motherhood and ignore the serious health risks and long-term consequences,” she said.
“We need responsible media content that educates rather than glorifies harmful behavior.”
Herbert Mugumya, Chief of Staff at the International Rescue Committee, tackled traditional notions of masculinity in his address.
“Being a man is a social construct shaped by upbringing and societal expectations. It’s not about dominance or wealth, but about responsibility and emotional maturity,” Mugumya stated.
“Real strength is found in vulnerability, emotional openness, and the ability to care deeply for others. Outdated beliefs, like the idea that a man should never cry, are harmful and need to be challenged.”
The BNN Summit served as a platform to highlight pressing youth issues—including economic empowerment, healthy relationships, technology-facilitated gender-based violence, media influence, and civic participation.
With initiatives like Impact Forge, Reach A Hand Uganda continues to position itself at the forefront of youth empowerment, offering tangible support for young leaders working to shape a more just, inclusive, and empowered future.
