Olivia Nalwadda
Uganda
Olivia Nalwadda represents a new generation of philanthropic leadership in East Africa—one that is youth-driven, inclusive, and deeply rooted in lived experience. As the founder of UZIMA ARI Uganda and Africa Youth Ambassador for the FIA Foundation, her work centres on advancing the rights, safety, and well-being of young people, particularly children with disabilities. Her recognition under this category reflects both her individual leadership and the broader shift towards youth-led philanthropy as a defining feature of the region’s evolving ecosystem.
Nalwadda’s work reflects a participatory and rights-based model of philanthropy that places young people at the centre of both problem identification and solution design. Through UZIMA ARI Uganda, she has advanced a framework that integrates advocacy, education, and community mobilisation, ensuring that interventions are contextually grounded and responsive to lived realities.
A defining innovation within her work is the development of a disability-led road safety curriculum, which equips children with disabilities to serve as advocates for safer environments. This initiative addresses a critical gap in road safety discourse, particularly given the disproportionate risks faced by young people with disabilities, while simultaneously redefining their role from passive beneficiaries to active leaders.
In terms of the EAPA criteria, her work demonstrates strong alignment with key parameters. Her initiatives embody innovation and creativity, particularly in the way youth leadership is operationalised. They reflect deep community involvement, with programmes designed and implemented in close collaboration with affected populations. Her sustained engagement at both local and global levels illustrates significant investment of time, skills, and leadership, while the continued advocacy and capacity building embedded in her work point to a robust sustainability framework.
Moreover, her ability to influence national and regional policy processes, including contributions to adolescent health and road safety strategies across multiple countries, highlights measurable impact and scalability, reinforcing the relevance of her model within and beyond Uganda.
Nalwadda’s impact spans community, national and international levels. In Uganda, her work has influenced the integration of youth perspectives into road safety initiatives and broader development programmes. Regionally, she has supported countries including Tanzania, Botswana and Mozambique in shaping adolescent health and well-being strategies.
Her participation in global platforms such as the United Nations General Assembly has further amplified the voices of African youth, contributing to a shift in how youth engagement is framed within international development discourse.
At the core of Nalwadda’s work is a transformation of agency. Children with disabilities, historically excluded from advocacy and decision-making spaces, are now equipped to lead conversations on safety and inclusion within their communities. This shift not only addresses immediate risks but also reshapes societal perceptions of disability and leadership.
Nalwadda’s model offers strong potential for replication across East Africa, particularly within national youth, education and transport frameworks. Her work also presents opportunities for partnerships with governments, development agencies and global foundations interested in inclusive and youth-led development.