When people talk about refugees, they often picture families waiting in line for food or
sitting in camps with no work. But that is not the whole truth. Many refugees are young,
full of ideas, and ready to take action. What they lack is opportunity.
UBUCHANGE was created to give young refugees this opportunity. From the beginning,
we said: this enterprise must be led by the people who understand displacement from
inside. That means youth and refugees themselves. We are not waiting for solutions to be
given to us. We are building them with our own hands.
Why Youth Matters
Uganda is one of the youngest countries in the world. Refugee settlements reflect this.
Most of the people in Kyaka II are under 30. At the same time, unemployment among
young people is very high. Without jobs or education, many youth risk falling into
hopelessness.
But youth also bring energy, creativity, and new ideas. They are quick to learn digital
tools, they adapt fast, and they are not afraid to try. If given the right training and support,
they can turn challenges into solutions. This is why UBUCHANGE puts youth at the
center.
A Team Built by Youth
UBUCHANGE itself was founded by young refugees. Our founder, Didier Maliki, used
his background in direct sales to design the Salespreneurship model. He is supported by
other young leaders who know the struggles of displacement firsthand.
Our team includes trainers, marketers, and community mobilizers who are also young.
They are not outsiders. They live in the same communities they serve. This makes them
more trusted, more connected, and more effective.
Being youth-led also means our approach is modern. We use social media, e-commerce,
and mobile money because these are tools young people already use every day.
Stories of Youth Innovation
In Kampala, we ran a project called Stand for Talent in 2023. Many urban refugees had
skills in music, dance, and art but could not earn from them. With UBUCHANGE, they
learned how to brand themselves, organize shows, and sell their talent. Instead of waiting
for opportunities, they created their own.
Another example is the Greenspace Recycling Impact project in 2024. Young refugees
in Kampala collected plastic waste and turned it into income. They not only earned
money but also cleaned their environment. This showed that youth can lead in both
business and climate action.
Now, in Kyaka II, youth are learning modern farming. They grow vegetables for their
families and sell the extra. Some are also learning to make banana bark crafts. These
young people are proving that refugees can be producers, innovators, and sellers at the
same time.
Why Our Model Fits Youth
The Salespreneurship model is especially good for youth because it is flexible. Not
every young person has the same skill, but every young person can learn how to sell.
Some may focus on farming, others on crafts, others on digital promotion. The model
allows each to find their place while still being part of a bigger system.
The 7Cs Ecosystem also gives youth a clear path. They are not just trained and left
behind. They are organized, trained, supported with capital, and linked to markets. This is
the kind of structure that youth need to move from ideas to income.
The Bigger Vision
By 2030, UBUCHANGE plans to train 10,000 Salespreneurs. A large part of them will
be youth. Imagine the power of 10,000 young people, all with the skills to make and sell.
That is not just business. That is transformation.
It means less unemployment, less poverty, and more innovation. It means refugee
communities leading their own development. It means showing the world that youth are
not a problem but a solution.
A Personal Example
One of our young Salespreneurs in Kyaka II shared his story with us. He had dropped out
of school because his parents could not afford fees. He had no job, no skills, and no hope.
After joining UBUCHANGE, he learned vegetable farming. In less than six months, he
was selling surplus vegetables and using mobile money to save. He told us that for the
first time, he felt proud of himself because he could support his family.
This is what youth-led innovation looks like. It is not only about big inventions. It is
about young people finding ways to survive, grow, and support others.
How You Can Support Youth at UBUCHANGE
If you want to stand with refugee youth, here are simple steps:
● Buy their products: From baskets to vegetables, every sale supports a young
Salespreneur.
● Partner with us: We welcome partnerships with schools, companies, and NGOs
to give youth more opportunities.
● Share their stories: Help the world see refugees differently. Youth are not
waiting for pity. They are building solutions.
