Hashtag Gulu

Hashtag Gulu We are driven by compassion & are motivated to identify pressing needs in the community, we mobilise resources to collectively redress their root causes.

What happens when the person struggling with a mental health challenge is misunderstood instead of supported?Yesterday, ...
03/09/2026

What happens when the person struggling with a mental health challenge is misunderstood instead of supported?

Yesterday, at Gulu Prison Primary School, our team brought this question to life through a theatre performance during the opening ceremony of the Mental Health Camp.

The performance explored the complicated relationship between drug abuse and mental illness and also confronted some of the misconceptions that often surround people experiencing mental health challenges. Through the situations portrayed in the performance, we showed how stigma, misunderstanding and lack of support can cause more harm in an already difficult situation.

The performance was part of a three-day mental health camp, organized by the Gulu Regional Referral Hospital Mental Health Department, in partnership with other mental health partners, under the theme: “Lives Experiences Heard: Real Voices, Real Change.”

Held in commemoration of the Su***de Prevention Month and as a pre-event activity ahead of the World Mental Health Day in October, the camp is intended to provide free access to health services including mental health support and counseling, eye check-ups, cervical cancer screening, sickle cell screening, HIV testing and general medical check-ups.

This underscored the need for people to know where to turn when they are struggling, the need to be heard, support and connected to the right care. Because mental health is not someone’s problem; it concerns all of us.

***dePrevention Gulu

Yesterday, we welcomed the leadership of Paicho Sub-county in Gulu District to our training farm as we officially receiv...
22/08/2026

Yesterday, we welcomed the leadership of Paicho Sub-county in Gulu District to our training farm as we officially received more than 50 young people beginning a four-month journey of learning practical agricultural skills.

The delegation included our area Local Council Chairperson, Agriculture Extension Officer, Community Development Officer, Police OC CID and LC3 Chairperson. They joined us not only as community leaders, but also as parents and well-wishers committed to supporting young people who are rebuilding their lives and working towards becoming productive members of society.

Some of the trainees come from the streets, while others are from neighbouring communities. Together, they reflected on responsibility, respect, ownership, hard work, dedication, productivity, forgiveness and the dignity of reaping from one’s own sweat.

Over the next four months, we will walk this journey with them, planting seeds of knowledge, confidence and transformation that we hope will leave a lasting impact on their lives.

We are deeply grateful to Eirene Suisse , Omoana, Restless Development Uganda, Elephante Commons, PACTA Uganda, Gulu District Local Government and our many other partners whose continued support makes this work possible. Your investment in these young people gives them the opportunity, skills and environment they need to rebuild their lives and shape a better future.

Young people thrive when we listen to them, support them and create the right environment for them to realise their potential.

On this day in 2018, we lost our team leader, co-founder, and friend, the late Ayella Collins Lacika.Years may have pass...
12/08/2026

On this day in 2018, we lost our team leader, co-founder, and friend, the late Ayella Collins Lacika.

Years may have passed, but the vision and commitment you brought to our work remain part of who we are today. Your dedication to young people in Gulu, especially those who needed someone to believe in them, helped lay the foundation for a cause that continues to grow and transform lives.

Today, we remember you with gratitude. We honour your life by continuing the work we started together and remaining committed to ensuring that vulnerable young people are seen, supported, and given another chance.

Your time with us was short, but your contribution lives on. Rest well, Collins.

Today, we celebrate young people: their resilience, their creativity and their contribution to society.Happy Internation...
12/08/2026

Today, we celebrate young people: their resilience, their creativity and their contribution to society.

Happy International Youth Day 2026!

We are excited to welcome a new cohort of young learners at our farm for our agriculture training program.Over the next ...
10/08/2026

We are excited to welcome a new cohort of young learners at our farm for our agriculture training program.

Over the next four months, these 49 young people with experience of street life and those recruited from the community will engage in practical trainings in poultry keeping, horticulture and piggery.

The program is designed to prioritize hands-on, interactive learning to help them to explore alternative pathways towards more sustainable livelihoods away from street life.

We look forward to learning, growing and creating new opportunities together.

Follow us and be part of this journey!

For many young people, life on the streets does not begin on the streets. It begins at home, within the community, where...
30/07/2026

For many young people, life on the streets does not begin on the streets. It begins at home, within the community, where care, protection and guidance are missing.

Yesterday, with support from AU-EU Youth Voices Lab - Power of the Collective and Restless Development, we staged a moving forum theatre performance at Cenjere, Gulu City. Performed by a group of young people, the play challenged the community to reflect on one of the root causes of child street migration: family neglect, particularly the absence of fathers and male caregivers.

Through the voices and acting skills of our young team, the performance highlighted how unresolved family conflict and lack of parental responsibility can push children into exploitation, and life on the streets.

In the discussion that followed, parents were encouraged to embrace positive parenting especially for the children who seem “difficult.”

“When a child becomes difficult, do not be quick to judge or punish them. sometimes it is a cry for help, a sign of a child in need of extra guidance, love and understanding of what they are going through before they end up on the streets,” shared one community member.

Protecting children is a shared responsibility. By encouraging active involvement of both mothers and fathers in parenting, we can address the root causes of street migration before children begin to seek survival elsewhere.

Through creative advocacy, we will continue to encourage positive parenting conversations and building communities where no child is forced to depend on the streets for survival.

Lessons. Laughter. Tears.Yesterday at Lacor-Layibi Market, our young actors moved audiences to tears with a powerful for...
25/06/2026

Lessons. Laughter. Tears.

Yesterday at Lacor-Layibi Market, our young actors moved audiences to tears with a powerful forum theatre performance. Written and performed by these youngsters, the play highlighted the harsh realities of child neglect, child labour and the struggles that often push children to the streets.

What stood out the most was the audience’s response reflecting on the issues raised and suggesting solutions. Practical solutions discussed included stronger action against child abuse, greater support for orphaned children, and more empathy for street-connected children and youth.

It was inspiring to see young people using creativity and storytelling to express themselves, share experiences and drive change in their communities.

Yesterday, 29 young people were assessed by assessors from the Uganda Vocational Technical Assessment Board (UVTAB) as p...
25/06/2026

Yesterday, 29 young people were assessed by assessors from the Uganda Vocational Technical Assessment Board (UVTAB) as part of the ongoing June Series Modular Assessments taking place across the country.

The assessments covered poultry and pig farming, two of the vocational skills taught at our training centre, where we prepare young people in our programme for successful reintegration into their communities by using agriculture as a pathway to productive and sustainable livelihoods.

We were also privileged to receive a board member from the assessment board, who expressed particular interest in our rehabilitation and reintegration model, especially its focus on agriculture and the opportunities it creates for young people rebuilding their lives. He also shared encouraging words with both our staff and trainees, acknowledging the importance of investing in this often overlooked segment of the population.

We are encouraged to see young people in street situations finally receiving the recognition and opportunities they deserve. With the right support, guidance, and environment, they can acquire valuable skills, rebuild their confidence, and create meaningful futures for themselves and their communities.

This past weekend, we hosted a friend and long-time supporter of Hashtag Gulu, a multi-talented storyteller, poet, and m...
24/06/2026

This past weekend, we hosted a friend and long-time supporter of Hashtag Gulu, a multi-talented storyteller, poet, and mobile phone photographer, who shared his knowledge of visual storytelling with our staff.

The number of times our project staff head to the field with nothing more than a mobile phone and a notebook to document activities is incredible. Once they learn how to use that small gadget effectively, even the quality of their reporting and storytelling improves significantly.

We are grateful to him for showing up and doing what he does best: generously sharing his knowledge and passion with others.

To see his craft, check out August Chris Okello

Yesterday, we hosted over 40 parents and caregivers of juveniles at Gulu Remand Home for a parental interface meeting. T...
23/06/2026

Yesterday, we hosted over 40 parents and caregivers of juveniles at Gulu Remand Home for a parental interface meeting. Through the program, we aimed at strengthening family relationships in preparation for the children’s reintegration into their communities.

The meeting provided a platform for discussions on some of the key factors contributing to juvenile offending including peer influence, lack of parental guidance, neglect and idleness among children who are out of school.

Together, parents reflected on practical ways to prevent recidivism and support their children upon their return home through education, vocational skills training, acceptance and parental support.

One of the parents, Otimkica Brian encouraged fellow parents to receive their children back with love and understanding. “Love has the power to heal and rebuild trust between parents and children,” he emphasized.

Reintegration is rooted in family. By strengthening families, we support children to make positive choices and build brighter futures.

Gulu

Address

Pece Lukung/P. O Box 1540/Plot 75 Jomo Kenyatta Road/Gulu/City
Gulu

Opening Hours

Monday 08:30 - 05:00
Tuesday 08:30 - 05:00
Wednesday 08:30 - 05:00
Thursday 08:30 - 05:00
Friday 08:30 - 05:00
Saturday 08:30 - 01:00

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