About Youth Development Organisation Uganda
We are a Ugandan nonprofit based in Gulu District that envisions a world where war-affected communities are rehabilitated and where children are protected from armed conflict and supported to thrive.
Who We Are
Youth Development Organisation Uganda (YDO) is a community development organization that focuses on rehabilitation and empowerment in war-affected regions of Northern Uganda.
We emphasize education, psycho-social support, life skills, vocational training, scholarship programs, and the welfare of children, women, and vulnerable populations. Our mission centers on rebuilding community resilience and creating protective environments for children outside armed conflict.
YDO advocates for the rights and welfare of vulnerable children, women, and communities, implementing programs aligned with local needs and community priorities.
Our Mission
YDO's mission focuses on rehabilitating post-war communities by empowering families, children, and vulnerable populations — strengthening access to education, advocacy, psycho-social support, and vocational pathways.
We envision a world where war-affected communities are rehabilitated and where children are protected from armed conflict and supported to thrive. Our work emphasizes locally grounded solutions that build community resilience and create protective environments.
Our Core Values
- Community Ownership: Programs are designed and implemented with local leadership and community participation
- Dignity & Respect: Every individual deserves to be treated with dignity and respect, regardless of their circumstances
- Sustainability: We build programs that can be sustained by communities long-term
- Child Protection: The welfare and protection of children is central to all our work
- Long-Term Transformation: We focus on lasting change rather than short-term relief
How We Work
YDO implements on-the-ground programming that aligns with community priorities, focusing on education, empowerment, and protection for vulnerable populations.
Community-Led Approach
All programs are designed and implemented with local community leadership. We work closely with community elders, local leaders, and program participants to ensure our work reflects local priorities and values.
Integrated Programming
Our programs work together to create holistic support. Education connects with vocational training, psycho-social support reinforces educational outcomes, and advocacy ensures protective environments.
Local Partnerships
We partner with local institutions, community organizations, and international partners like Be A Number to leverage resources and expertise while maintaining local ownership and leadership.
Measured Outcomes
We track and measure the impact of our programs, ensuring they deliver meaningful outcomes for children, families, and communities. This includes educational achievements, skills development, and community resilience indicators.
Our Leadership
Simon Peter Wilobo
Founder and Head of YDO
Simon Peter Wilobo brings lived experience from Northern Uganda's post-conflict transition. His history of community service, child sponsorship programs, and development work grounds YDO's operations in local insight and resilience building.
As a leader who has experienced the challenges of post-conflict recovery firsthand, Simon Peter understands the importance of locally grounded solutions and community ownership. Under his leadership, YDO has become a trusted partner in Northern Uganda's development landscape.
His commitment to child protection, education, and community empowerment drives YDO's mission to create lasting change in war-affected communities.
Our Location
YDO is based in Gulu District, Northern Uganda — a region that has experienced significant challenges following decades of conflict.
Gulu District is at the heart of post-conflict recovery efforts in Northern Uganda. The region's communities are rebuilding infrastructure, restoring social systems, and creating new opportunities for children and families.
Our location in Gulu allows us to work directly with the communities most affected by conflict, ensuring our programs reach those who need them most and are grounded in local context and priorities.
