TRANSFORMING LIVES
THROUGH ACTION
At Lumala Abdu Youth Impact (LAYI), we believe in the transformative power of sports, mentorship, and health education to create lasting change in the lives of underprivileged youth and marginalized communities. Our programs are designed to address the unique challenges faced by vulnerable populations, providing opportunities for growth, resilience, and success.
Youth Empowerment and Talent Development
This program nurtures young talents in underprivileged communities through sports training, educational scholarships, and skills workshops. By blending sports and education, we equip youth with the tools to achieve their dreams while becoming socially responsible leaders.
Key Activities
Establishing sports academies and training camps.
Awarding scholarships for education and professional sports training.
Conducting workshops on leadership, resilience, and career development.
Awarding scholarships for education and professional sports training.
Conducting workshops on leadership, resilience, and career development.
Impact
Hundreds of youth have benefited from scholarships, mentorship, and sports training, helping them unlock their potential and contribute positively to their communities.
Support for Refugee and Displaced Communities
Recognizing the challenges faced by refugee youth, this initiative creates safe spaces in camps and underserved communities where youth can participate in sports, access mentorship, and build resilience.
Key Activities
Organizing sports clinics and recreational events in refugee settlements.
Providing emotional support through mentorship programs.
Fostering community bonding and purpose through team activities.
Providing emotional support through mentorship programs.
Fostering community bonding and purpose through team activities.
Impact
Refugee youth have found hope and purpose, with many developing confidence, leadership skills, and a sense of belonging.
Health Education and Malaria Prevention
This program promotes health awareness, focusing on malaria prevention and hygiene education. Partnering with global health organizations, LAYI aims to reduce disease risks and improve health outcomes in vulnerable regions.
Key Activities
Hosting health workshops on hygiene, disease prevention, and malaria awareness.
Distributing insecticide-treated mosquito nets in malaria-prone areas.
Advocating for health resources and policy change through global summits.
Distributing insecticide-treated mosquito nets in malaria-prone areas.
Advocating for health resources and policy change through global summits.
Impact
Reduction in malaria cases and improved hygiene practices in rural and refugee communities, directly benefiting thousands of families.
Sports Tournaments for Social Good
LAYI organizes sports events that foster teamwork, discipline, and community engagement. These tournaments serve as platforms to promote health, hygiene, and nutrition, while creating opportunities for youth to showcase their talents.
Key Activities
Conducting local and regional sports tournaments.
Partnering with health organizations to integrate educational sessions during events.
Offering awards and recognition to outstanding participants, motivating them to excel further.
Partnering with health organizations to integrate educational sessions during events.
Offering awards and recognition to outstanding participants, motivating them to excel further.
Impact
Increased youth engagement in positive activities, strengthened community ties, and raised awareness of health and well-being.
Our Visit at Kyangwali Refugee Settlement
Kikuube, Uganda – 01st February, 2025.
In the 30st January 2025, Lumala and his team conducted a community outreach at Kyangwali Refugee Settlement in Kikuube , engaging with youth aged 15 – 24 years. The team was Hosted by the AVSI foundation -Game connect Consortium Lead partner who are implementing structured sport for mental health project targeting refugee and host community youth aged 15 – 24.
Warm welcome remarks by representative from the Office of the Prime Minister -Settlement Commandant, Mrs Chali Tophius demonstrated the urgent need of the young people in the refugee settlement and the urge for continuous support while highlighting the status quo of kyangwali refugee settlement that is currently experiencing high refugee influx , the current game connect reach and the gaps . The Main intent of the visit was focused on mentorship, sports-driven empowerment, and essential aid for young refugees .
Lumala reaffirmed his commitment to long-term engagement, urging fellow athletes, public figures, and institutions to contribute to humanitarian efforts in enhancing the capacity and mental resilience of the young refugees through sports.
Warm welcome remarks by representative from the Office of the Prime Minister -Settlement Commandant, Mrs Chali Tophius demonstrated the urgent need of the young people in the refugee settlement and the urge for continuous support while highlighting the status quo of kyangwali refugee settlement that is currently experiencing high refugee influx , the current game connect reach and the gaps . The Main intent of the visit was focused on mentorship, sports-driven empowerment, and essential aid for young refugees .
Lumala reaffirmed his commitment to long-term engagement, urging fellow athletes, public figures, and institutions to contribute to humanitarian efforts in enhancing the capacity and mental resilience of the young refugees through sports.
“I know what it feels like to be lost, alone, and struggling to find a place in the world. Football saved me, but not everyone gets that chance. That’s why I started LAYI—to give hope and opportunity to the next generation.”
During the event, Lumala and his team Participated in structured sports activities focused on mental health and social support, including the Goal Celebration Game, which promotes a sense of belonging, decision-making, and problem-solving skills. Youth participants shared their personal experiences and challenges, fostering a sense of unity and support. The day concluded with a friendly football match between Manson and Angel Mixed teams (with girls and boys) bringing together youth from Rwenyawawa and Munsisa B villages, the hosting communities.
Kyangwali Refugee Settlement: A Snapshot;
Located in western Uganda, Kyangwali Refugee Settlement is one of the country’s largest refugee-hosting communities, accommodating 144,521 refugees as of December 2024. Of these, 2,407 (18%) are youth aged 15-24 years, with the host community comprising 414,000 people.
Transforming Lives Through Sports and Mentorship
Founded in 2024, Lumala-Abdu Youth Impact (LAYI) believes in the transformative power of sports for displaced and marginalized youth. The foundation’s mission is to:
● Provide mentorship and career guidance for refugee youth.
● Enhanced psychosocial coping skills among youth through structured sports activities.
● Strengthened social support networks, fostering inclusion and mental well-being.
● Increased stakeholder engagement and advocacy for using sports as a mental health intervention.
● Provide mentorship and career guidance for refugee youth.
● Enhanced psychosocial coping skills among youth through structured sports activities.
● Strengthened social support networks, fostering inclusion and mental well-being.
● Increased stakeholder engagement and advocacy for using sports as a mental health intervention.
A CALL
TO ACTION
Lumala Abdu is calling on fellow athletes, corporate organizations, NGOs, media and the international community to rally behind refugee communities. His story is one of resilience and the transformative impact one individual can make.
Addressing Critical Challenges
As a receiving settlement, Kyangwali faces escalating challenges, including limited access to land and productive resources, worsened by food ration cuts by the World Food Programme, making food security a pressing concern. Refugee youth struggle with:
● Limited access to decent playgrounds and sports facilities.
● Lack of essential sports equipment (balls, jerseys, shoes).
● Poverty, limited access to education, and skills training.
● High rates of abuse and exploitation. Reference??
● Limited access to decent playgrounds and sports facilities.
● Lack of essential sports equipment (balls, jerseys, shoes).
● Poverty, limited access to education, and skills training.
● High rates of abuse and exploitation. Reference??
Broader Impact and Significance
● Educational Support: Studies show that 70% of children in underserved Ugandan communities lack basic school supplies, significantly affecting academic performance. LAYI aims to bridge this gap.
● Food Security: With over 40% of widowed women in Uganda experiencing food insecurity, initiatives like these directly improve their living conditions.
● Sports Development: Football remains a strong pillar for youth development. Providing sports kits fosters talent growth, discipline, and career opportunities.
● Food Security: With over 40% of widowed women in Uganda experiencing food insecurity, initiatives like these directly improve their living conditions.
● Sports Development: Football remains a strong pillar for youth development. Providing sports kits fosters talent growth, discipline, and career opportunities.
Our Upcoming Initiative:
LAYI Social Home & Sports Academy
Vision for the Academy
A state-of-the-art facility providing a sanctuary for at-risk youth, combining academic education, healthcare, and sports training to foster holistic development.
Planned Features
- Housing for disadvantaged youth.
- Professional-level sports training facilities.
- Access to mentorship programs and life-skills workshops.
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Goal
To empower the next generation of leaders, athletes, and change-makers while providing a safe, supportive environment for personal growth.
HOW YOU
CAN HELP
- Partner with Us: Join us in expanding our programs and creating more opportunities for underprivileged youth.
- Sponsor a Program: Support a specific initiative, such as scholarships, sports equipment, or health workshops.
- Donate Today: Your contributions go directly to sustaining and growing our life-changing programs.
