Author: Arafat Kabugo

Born and raised in Kampala, Uganda, Arafat Kabugo is committed to addressing critical health issues through creative approaches. As Programs Manager at Naguru Youth Health Network (NYHN), he leads transformative programs that boost the organization’s impact. Under his leadership, NYHN Arafat developed successful proposals that increased NYN’s funding from $5,000 in 2019-20 to $200,000 annually by 2023-24. He played a pivotal role in building partnerships with local and global organizations to improve youth health through advocacy, education, and access to vital services. Among his notable achievements, he led the MAYE-Plus project, which significantly increased youth engagement in Global Financing Facility (GFF) processes across 12 countries, growing youth organization resource allocation from 10 to 25 in one funding period. He also serves as co-chair for the Global Youth Platform for GFF and as Secretariat Coordinator for the Adolescent Learning, Action, and Benchmarking Project. As a GHC fellow, Arafat aims to enhance his skills in creative problem solving and systems strengthening to design innovative programs that reshape health systems and address complex challenges.