Acholi Sub-Region

55%

of youth in Acholi fall into the “NEET” category (Neither in Employment, Education, nor Training).

70%

of children in the Acholi Sub‑Region do not finish primary education.

16.8%

of conflict-affected youth (18–25) accessed any mental-health support, despite 70% acknowledging they were struggling.

The Acholi Sub-Region in Northern Uganda continues to carry the deep social, economic, and psychological scars of the civil war that devastated communities for two decades. Despite ongoing government efforts, the region still faces high poverty rates, widespread youth unemployment, and persistent generational trauma. WPDI has been active in Acholi since our inception, focusing on long-term peacebuilding, youth empowerment, and vocational training to help communities rebuild their lives with dignity and opportunity.

Our presence is anchored by the Community Learning Center in Gulu City, which has grown into a central and trusted hub for the sub-region. Each year, thousands of young people, community leaders, educators, survivors of conflict, and small business owners benefit from our programs, which span Conflict Resolution Education, Information & Communications Technology, Business & Entrepreneurship, Arts & Crafts, and community dialogue initiatives designed to strengthen social cohesion at every level.

The CLC also houses our Trauma Healing and Sexual & Reproductive Health programs, which provide safe spaces for recovery and emotional well-being, particularly for youth and women who continue to grapple with the intergenerational effects of war, displacement, and loss. Complementing these efforts, our Peace Through Sports and Cinema for Peace programs bring communities together across tribal and generational lines, using recreation, storytelling, and dialogue to promote healing, empathy, and mutual understanding.

Through a growing network of Youth Peacemakers, small business owners, teachers, and community leaders, WPDI has cultivated a resilient ecosystem of local actors who are transforming their own communities from within.

Surveys we ran among former trainees at our CLC revealed that

100% of surveyed teachers agreed that WPDI’s school-based peace education programs effectively improve conflict resolution, reduce bullying, and create safer learning environments.
36.3% of vocational trainees reported an increase in income after completing WPDI training.
88% of arts & crafts and vocational skills trainees reported applying their new skills in their personal or professional lives.

View our Acholi Sub-region 2024 report