Terms of Reference

JANUARY 2025

The Youth Defenders Hub Project

About the DefendDefenders & NAC 

DefendDefenders was established in 2005 as the East and Horn of Africa Human Rights.it exists to strengthen the work of human rights defenders(HRDs) in the Sub region by reducing their vulnerability to the risk of persecution and by enhancing their capacity to effectively defend human rights. The core mandate of DefendDefenders is to promote the safety, security and wellbeing of HRDs. To achieve this, DefendDefenders’ work has to date focused on protection and security management, capacity building, technology development, as well as advocacy, research, and communications. DefendDefenders establishes and supports national coalitions of HRDs in various countries through which HRDs can come together and claim their rights at the national level. DefendDefenders serves as the Secretariat of the East and Horn of Africa Human Rights Defenders Network(EHAHRD-Net) representing thousands of HRDs and their organisations.

The Network for Active Citizens (NAC), founded in 2017, is a youth-focused NGO committed to fostering sustainable development and youth resilience in Uganda. Through its innovative Youth CSO Villas in Kampala, Arua, and Yumbe, NAC empowers over 80 youth-led organizations annually, enhancing advocacy and community engagement. Our mission is "To build youth resilience in Uganda through capability development and policy outreach," while our vision is "A resilient and prosperous Uganda."

Who We Are Looking For: 

We are seeking 10 Youth-led CSOs (5 in Arua and 5 in Yumbe) with 18 senior management representatives aged 18-35 within areas of Arua and Yumber district who have demonstrated initiative and leadership and have made a positive change in their community, organization or society at large. The participants will be selected considering the following criteria:  

1. Be youth-led and registered in Uganda.

2. Operate in Arua or Yumbe.

3. Demonstrate commitment to human rights advocacy and resilience-building.

4. Have at least two senior representatives available to participate in project activities.

What We Offer: 

• A unique opportunity to connect with like-minded young people from around the globe 

• Gain access to enhanced Youth Defenders Hubs with resources for HRDs.

• Receive tailored mentorship and capacity-building support.

• Build networks through exchange visits and collaborative activities. 

• Mandatory Online Orientation meeting on 22nd January 2025 at 2pm.

How to Apply: 

Please fill in the application form and send italdoadomati97@gmail.com ,ismailbogere2019@gmail.com and copy in mugisha.evelyn@yahoo.com  by 16th January 202511:59pm