Our History

Our story in Uganda

YWCA Uganda was founded in 1952 in Kampala to give women and girls the skills and confidence to support themselves and their families. The association opened a vocational training institute on George Street, started literacy classes, and set up women’s clubs where women learned tailoring, child care, home management and baking. After independence the institute opened its doors to young men as well.

Graduates became hotel workers, pre-primary teachers and garment makers across the country. Today YWCA Uganda continues this legacy through the YWCA Vocational Training Institute and the partnerships that carry our work on women’s and girls’ rights, health, peace and livelihoods.

Timeline

• 1855 YWCA founded in England
• 1894 World YWCA founded
• 1952 YWCA Uganda founded in Kampala
• 2005 VTI registered with the Ministry of Education and Sports
• 2009 VTI licensed by the National Council for Higher Education
• December 2025 29th YWCA VTI graduation