At just 25, Denise Ayebare has already carved a remarkable reputation as one of Uganda’s most dynamic young leaders.
A law student at Makerere University, Denise balances her academic pursuits with an impressive portfolio of leadership, advocacy, and development work at both national and international levels.
She is best described as a policy development consultant, climate justice advocate, and public speaker with over eight years of experience building capacity among youth, women, and marginalized communities.
Her journey reflects a deep passion for empowering people to thrive in the future of work and shaping global responses to climate change.
A Trailblazer in Climate Justice
Denise’s international recognition comes largely from her role as a Youth Climate Action Negotiator under the UNFCCC. She has represented Uganda and African youth at major global climate forums including Stockholm+50, COP27, COP28, and COP29, championing bold action on climate change.
Her advocacy has particularly focused on gender-inclusive climate policies, ensuring that the concerns of women and young people are not left behind in climate solutions.
Founder and Leader
As Executive Director and Founder of BetterLife International Organization, Denise has led projects that impact lives beyond Uganda, reaching South Sudan, Tanzania, and Ghana.
The organization has empowered over 40,000 children, youth, refugees, and internally displaced persons, focusing on climate action, resilience, and livelihoods.
Her leadership extends to several other institutions. At the National Youth Council, she served as Climate Change Lead, spearheading nationwide campaigns to galvanize young people towards climate action.
Previously, she was Prime Minister of the National Youth Parliament, where she designed training programs across 113 districts of Uganda.
Regional and Global Influence
Denise’s influence goes far beyond Uganda’s borders. She has worked with the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Youth Envoy Office, where she provided expert legal advice on climate change policies in the Horn of Africa.
She also coordinated programs with the Green Africa Youth Organization (GAYO), recruiting and training thousands of volunteers for environmental initiatives.
Awards and Recognition
Her outstanding contributions have not gone unnoticed. Denise has been:
- Awarded Climate Activist of the Year 2024 by GIZ and the European Union in Uganda.
- Featured among Top 40 under 40 by New Vision in 2024.
- Named among the Top 30 Law Students in Eastern Africa by Lawverse Nigeria.
- Celebrated for winning multiple debate championships, including Best Female Speaker in Africa at the Elle Parle Women’s Debate Open.
- Crowned Miss Tourism Kigezi and Miss Tourism Uganda, demonstrating her versatility in both leadership and cultural ambassadorship.
Leadership and Mentorship
Denise is also deeply committed to mentorship. She has served as Vice Chairperson of the Pan African University Debate Council, Mentor with UNICEF’s Children’s Reference Group, and Coordinator of the UN Volunteers Uganda Chapter, impacting thousands of young people with training and inspiration.
Why She’s Running for Secretary for External Relations, NYC
Her aspiration for the Secretary for External Relations position at the National Youth Council stems from her vision of amplifying Ugandan youth voices on both continental and global platforms.
With her background in diplomacy, negotiation, and organizational leadership, Denise hopes to strengthen Uganda’s youth partnerships, widen international opportunities, and ensure that the concerns of young people are represented in key decision-making spaces.
The Big Picture
In Denise Ayebare, Uganda has a new generation leader, intelligent, resilient, and globally connected. Her story is one of consistency: from grassroots activism to continental leadership, she has proven that young people can not only dream but also deliver.
As she steps forward to seek the Secretary for External Relations seat at the National Youth Council, she carries with her a wealth of experience and a bold vision for Uganda’s youth in the global arena.
