Kampala, Uganda – An atmosphere of celebration and reflection marked the official close-out of the Girls Empowering Girls (GEG) Programme at KCCA Mayor’s Gardens, bringing together government leaders, development partners, civil society, schools, and communities to honor the achievements of thousands of adolescent girls.
Implemented by Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) with support from UNICEF and directly implemented on the ground by Trailblazers Mentoring Foundation (TMF), the GEG programme stands as Uganda’s first urban social protection initiative specifically designed to support adolescent girls to transition safely into adulthood.
The high-level event, presided over by Her Excellency the Vice President of the Republic of Uganda, celebrated the programme’s impact across two cohorts from 2019 to 2026, reaching a total of 4,150 girls with integrated support including peer mentorship, referral to essential services, and cash transfers to caregivers.
Delivering Impact Where It Matters Most
As a direct implementing partner, TMF played a central role in translating the programme design into meaningful, community-level impact. Through structured peer-to-peer mentorship, TMF worked closely with schools and communities to equip girls with life skills, knowledge on sexual and reproductive health, and awareness of reporting mechanisms and support systems.
The programme’s integrated approach ensured that girls were not only informed but also supported linking them to health and social services while addressing household vulnerabilities through caregiver support. This model helped many girls stay in school, regain confidence, and navigate adolescence with greater resilience.
Stories of Transformation
The event highlighted powerful testimonies from beneficiaries whose lives have been transformed. Girls shared how mentorship helped them make informed decisions, avoid risky situations, and pursue their education with renewed determination.
One beneficiary shared, “This programme gave me confidence and hope. I now believe in my future and what I can achieve.”
These stories underscored the real impact of investing in adolescent girls not just as individuals, but as catalysts for change within their families and communities.
Strong Partnerships, Shared Success
The success of the GEG programme reflects the strength of collaboration between KCCA, UNICEF, TMF, UYDEL, schools, and community structures. TMF’s community-rooted approach ensured that interventions were responsive, inclusive, and sustainable.
Schools were instrumental in providing safe spaces for mentorship, while community stakeholders reinforced positive norms and supported girls beyond the classroom.
Looking Beyond the Close-Out
While the programme has officially come to an end, stakeholders emphasized the need to sustain and scale such interventions. The close-out event served not only as a celebration but also as a call to action to continue investing in adolescent girls’ education, protection, and well-being.
“The impact we celebrate today must be sustained,” Her Excellency the Vice President noted. “We must continue to build systems that support girls to thrive and reach their full potential.”
A Legacy That Lives On
The Girls Empowering Girls programme leaves behind a powerful legacy—4,150 girls better equipped to shape their futures, and a proven model for integrated, girl-centered programming in urban contexts.
For TMF, the journey continues. Building on the lessons and successes of GEG, the organization remains committed to advancing interventions that empower adolescent girls, strengthen systems, and create lasting change.
As the celebrations came to a close, one message remained clear: when girls are supported, communities thrive and the future becomes brighter for all.
