About the Network

Founded in 2011, Karamoja Youth Empowerment Network (KAYEN) operating legally as KAYEN Organisation is a youth-led, indigenous community-based organization dedicated to transforming the lives of women, children, and young people across the Karamoja sub-region. KAYEN is legally registered with the Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB), licensed by the National NGO Bureau with a valid permit to operate countrywide, registered with the Personal Data Protection Office, and works under strategic Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with the Nabilatuk and Nakapiripirit District Local Governments upto 2031. These legal and institutional partnerships position KAYEN as a trusted partner in delivering sustainable community development.

KAYEN was established to complement government and development partners in promoting peace, sustainable livelihoods, quality education, child protection, women’s empowerment, and the rights of marginalized communities. The organization emerged in response to one of Karamoja’s most pressing challenges; the growing number of unemployed and idle young people. Without access to education, skills, and economic opportunities, many young people become vulnerable to poverty, crime, cattle raids, substance abuse, violence against women and children, and other harmful practices that undermine peace and development.

We believe that investing in young people is one of the most effective ways to transform communities. Through partnerships with government, communities, civil society, the private sector, and development agencies, KAYEN equips youth with practical skills, entrepreneurship opportunities, leadership training, education, and livelihood support while strengthening child protection systems, advancing women’s rights, improving health and nutrition, and building climate-resilient communities.

By empowering young people to become productive citizens, leaders, and change makers, KAYEN is helping build a peaceful, inclusive, and prosperous Karamoja where every woman, child, and young person has the opportunity to thrive.