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Buyege

Wakiso, Uganda

Date of Workshop: December 28 - 29, 2017

Workshop Coordinator: Leigh Fox 


Situated near Lake Victoria in Wakiso, Uganda, Buyege is a rural village traditionally dependent on fishing and farming. However, the depletion of fish stocks has led many residents to seek alternative livelihoods, including small-scale agriculture, timber, and charcoal production. With a population of 1,500, predominantly from the Ganda ethnic group, Buyege is located just 29 km from Uganda's capital, Kampala. This proximity, along with the scarcity of jobs and low wages in the village, creates strong migration pressures, especially on the youth. As Buyege faces these transitions, its youth are keen to discover sustainable solutions that allow them to build a future in their own community.


Despite these difficulties, village life in Buyege still offers unique opportunities for young people, such as the freedom to own land, time for leisure, and a chance to explore new ventures. However, limited resources and conflict over land ownership often push some youth to leave in search of better prospects.


During the Youth Visioning Workshop held in December 2017, led by Leigh Fox, participants highlighted the importance of family planning while expressing a desire to reduce teenage pregnancies. They also voiced concerns familiar to their peers in other regions, including the need to eliminate illegal gambling, addictions, and corruption. Key issues like job creation and access to clean water remain central to their vision for an improved quality of life.

The youth of Buyege embody both hope and practicality. "I don't know where I want to live in the future," said an 18-year-old female participant, while a 21-year-old male expressed, "For me, I want to be a farmer." The group’s enthusiasm was evident throughout the workshop, as they requested more frequent training in business skills and entrepreneurship. Many conveyed optimism, believing that with the right support, they could sustain a living wage and invest in the future of their village.


"Please conserve forests, we get rain from forests," one participant added, emphasizing the deep connection between environmental conservation and the community’s well-being. Through their discussions, it was clear that the youth see a path forward in which economic development and environmental stewardship can coexist.



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