Open Space Centre

Open Space Centre (Open Space) is a not for profit, youth-led organization that was established in 2009 through support from the OSI/Youth Initiative under the Youth Action Fund. The organisation’ mission is to broaden space and opportunities for young people to enhance their potential and constructively contribute to Uganda’s social, economic and political development. Through debate programs at secondary schools and higher education institutions, the Centre has promoted a democratic culture of civic and informed discussion on critical policy activities. Many of the youth who have participated in the Centre’s debate program have gone on to be successful activists, youth leaders and social entrepreneurs. In 2018 and 2019, 10 debate trainees were elected as guild presidents and faculty heads in their respective universities. The organisation has also been at the forefront of SDGs awareness among the youth in schools, tertiary institutions and local communities. Since 2011 the Centre has also organised an Annual National Youth Festival modeled on the Danish Folkemodet, which brings together thousands of young people from academia, special interest groups, civil society and others to amplify to amplify young voices and strengthen their engagement in public policy issues. The festival also provides an opportunity for youth to network with each other, exchange ideas, and engage with policy makers, civil society leaders, and the diplomatic community. In the past five years, the Open Space Centre has received funding from the Endowment and organizations such as Crossing Borders/CISU, the International Republican Institute, Action Aid Uganda, USAID, and Project Soar.