Igniting Change: A Look Back at the Advocacy Hackathon on Youth Mental Health in Uganda
In late November 2025, a powerful wave of collaboration swept through our community. On the 28th and 29th, passionate changemakers, youth leaders, mental health experts, and advocates gathered for a groundbreaking Advocacy Hackathon focused on Mental Health among Rural Youth in Uganda.
This intensive two-day event was designed to move beyond discussion and spark tangible, actionable solutions. We brought together diverse minds to tackle one of our most pressing challenges with creativity, empathy, and strategic thinking.
The Journey of Innovation: A Two-Day Sprint
The hackathon was a structured sprint from problem identification to advocacy-ready action plans.
Day 1: Building Understanding & Crafting Solutions
The journey began with connection. After a warm welcome, participants engaged in dynamic ice-breakers, building the essential rapport that would fuel collaboration. We then set our collective mission with a clear overview of our ambitious goal: to develop real-world advocacy strategies.
The morning deep-dive featured roundtable discussions and expert-led sessions, allowing teams to thoroughly explore the unique mental health challenges faced by youth in rural Ugandan communities. The afternoon shifted to solution-mode. Through collaborative brainstorming and structured decision-making techniques, the groups sifted through ideas to select the most viable and impactful solutions, ending the day by developing the core of their advocacy recommendations.
Day 2: From Idea to Action Plan
With solutions defined, Day 2 was all about action. Teams dedicated the morning to developing detailed advocacy plans and creating prototypes for their campaigns—modeling everything from community workshops to digital awareness drives.
The climax of the event was the afternoon Jury Evaluation. Each team presented their comprehensive advocacy recommendations and strategic plans to a panel of esteemed experts. Following the presentations, a meaningful reflection session allowed everyone to process the experience and distill key learnings about advocacy and collaboration.
The event culminated in a celebratory Closing Ceremony, where we honored the incredible effort, summarized key achievements, and outlined potential next steps. The winning idea, a testament to the participants’ innovation, was awarded to great applause. The formal program concluded with a heartfelt Closing Dinner, where new connections solidified into a lasting network of advocates.
The Outcome: More Than Just Ideas
This hackathon was not merely an event; it was the launchpad for a movement. The outcomes are profound:
- Action-Oriented Advocacy Plans: Concrete, community-rooted strategies ready for implementation.
- A Strengthened Ecosystem: A vibrant network of multidisciplinary professionals and youth champions united by a common cause.
- Amplified Youth Voice: Empowering young people as central architects of solutions for their own generation.
- Prototyped Campaigns: Creative models for interventions that can attract partners and funding.
We extend our deepest gratitude to every participant, facilitator, expert, and partner who contributed their time, passion, and wisdom. Your energy has created a lasting blueprint for change.
What’s Next?
The work continues! We are committed to supporting the development of these powerful ideas. Follow our channels for updates on the progression of these advocacy plans and opportunities to get involved.
Together, we are moving from awareness to action, building a future where every young person in rural Uganda can thrive.
