A Story by: Bulega Joshua 

In the heart of Kitintale, a Ghetto neighborhood in Kampala, heavy rains once turned dreams into muddy disasters. Now, a group of determined youth is changing their community’s story. This quarter, the young people of Kitintale, backed by the Network forActiveCitizens(NAC) and Civil Society Action for Development (CIVACT), tackled the floods that

have long troubled their area. Their tool? Gabions, sturdy wire cages filled with stones that help them build resilience.

Imagine narrow streets that were once washed away by rushing waters now standing strong. Over 30 young men and women, with calloused hands and fiery spirits, gathered under the morning sun to learn how to make gabions. CIVACT’s trainers showed them how to weave wire mesh accurately, choose the right stones  and stack them into walls that could withstand the strongest floods. The youth didn’t just construct, they took charge. Women skillfully wove baskets, while men carried stones, their laughter and effort creating a sense of unity. NAC fueled this enthusiasm by securing funds for materials and working with local authorities to clear paths, making sure each stone placed contributed to a safer Kitintale.

By the end of the quarter, 50 meters of gabion walls stood like guardians along the drainage channels. When the rains arrived, the community held its breath and the gabions held the water back. Floods that once washed away livelihoods slowed to a trickle, keeping homes dry and paths passable. The gabions, blending into the scenery as grass grew through their gaps, became more than just structures, they became symbols of hope, proving that the youth of Kitintale could shape their own future.

This success didn’t happen alone. NAC’s clear vision and CIVACT’s grassroots energy came together, forging a partnership that empowered the community. Together, they turned local stones into shields against nature’s wrath. Now, the youth have bigger dreams: more gabions, more trees, more resilience. Ideas are already emerging to extend these walls, incorporating greenery into their design to protect Kitintale for future generations.

In Kitintale, floods used to tell a tale of loss. Today, thanks to the youth, NAC, and CIVACT, the story is one of determination, teamwork, and a community standing strong against the storm.