Denise Ayebare, the Secretary for External Relations at the Uganda Youth Council, has been shortlisted among the top 15 finalists for the prestigious Moonshot Non-Profit Award, in recognition of her leadership and impact through Better Life Initiative (BetterLife_Int) in refugee communities.
The Moonshot Non-Profit Award is part of the broader Moonshot Awards, which celebrate and support outstanding youth-led non-profit organizations tackling global challenges aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The winners receive an equity-free grant of $10,000 USD, mentorship, and global recognition for their innovative contributions to sustainable development.
Ayebare’s nomination recognizes her transformative work in advancing climate-smart agriculture and innovation in Uganda’s refugee settlements, empowering displaced and host communities to build resilience and achieve self-sufficiency amid growing climate challenges.
In a statement following her shortlisting, Ayebare expressed gratitude for the global recognition:
“This nomination represents the resilience and creativity of young Ugandans and refugees who are innovating for survival and sustainability. Our goal is to show that even in displacement, hope and innovation can thrive.”
The 2025 Moonshot Award Ceremony is scheduled to take place today November 13, 2025, in New York, United States, bringing together global changemakers committed to creating scalable solutions for a more inclusive and sustainable world.
Through her work with Better Life Initiative, Ayebare has led initiatives introducing eco-friendly farming technologies, youth innovation hubs, and digital agricultural tools that improve livelihoods and enhance food security in Uganda’s refugee-hosting regions.
Her recognition underscores Uganda’s growing influence in youth-led innovation, sustainability, and humanitarian response — and highlights the vital role of young women in driving community-based transformation.
