Skate
Creating Safe Spaces
Creating safe spaces where children and youth can learn skateboarding, express themselves, and build confidence.
Kampala, Uganda
Skate.
Inspire.
Empower.
A community-based youth organization using skateboarding as a tool for empowerment, creativity, and positive social development.
100+ Children & Youth
3 Co-Founders
1 City, Many Communities
Who We Are Built by skaters,
Built by skaters,
for the community
Kampala Skateboard Initiative (KSI) is a community-based youth organization that uses skateboarding as a tool for empowerment, creativity, and positive social development.
KSI began in a Kampala neighborhood with just five children and has grown into a supportive skateboarding community for over 100 children and youth. Through training sessions, mentorship, and community engagement, KSI creates safe spaces where young people can build confidence, discipline, and a sense of belonging.
KSI believes in collaboration, growth, and using skateboarding to inspire young people to reach their potential both on and off the board.
Our Story
KSI History
Kampala Skateboard Initiative was established on March 14th, 2022, when its founders were still in high school. What started as a shared dream among young skaters grew into an organization focused on empowering children and youth in Uganda and across Africa through skateboarding, education, mentorship, community support, and life opportunities.
KSI uses skateboarding as a tool for social change — creating safe places where young people can learn skills, express themselves, build big things, develop discipline, and believe in their potential. Beyond skateboarding, KSI works towards supporting vulnerable families, youth development, and creating long-term opportunities for the communities it serves.
What We're Building
KSI is working on building a skatepark and permanent base — a youth hub for creativity, ideas, and opportunity. KSI is also exploring solutions to the lack of skate gear in Africa by working towards a future manufacturing industry for skate equipment on the continent.
Mission
The Kampala Skateboard Initiative is dedicated to harnessing the transformative power of skateboarding to uplift and empower African youth. We strive to create a supportive community that fosters physical and emotional growth, promoting resilience, creativity, and self-expression. Through our programs and activities, we aim to provide an alternative to negative influence, helping young people develop essential life skills, build confidence, and unlock their full potential.
Vision
A future where African youth are empowered to reach new heights, unencumbered by the limitations of poverty, illiteracy, inequality, and social injustice. A continent where skateboarding is recognized as a powerful tool for positive change — a platform for young people to come together, share experiences, and drive progress. Through our work we aim to inspire a new generation of leaders, entrepreneurs, and change makers equipped to transform their communities and shape a brighter future for all.
Where We Started
Our Three Pillars
Skate. Inspire. Empower.
Inspire
Believe & Dream Bigger
Using mentorship, storytelling, and community to inspire young people to believe in themselves and dream bigger.
Empower
Supporting Families
Supporting vulnerable children and families through education, feeding programs, scholarships, and sustainable community initiatives.
100+ Children & Youth Supported
5 Kids at the Beginning
3 Co-Founders
6+ Impact Programs
Our Impact
Building a generation of leaders
- Supporting 100+ children and youth through skateboarding
- Coaching kids in different communities across Kampala
- Donating and sharing skateboarding equipment
- Supporting skate events organized by other groups
- Contributing to skatepark construction and development
- Strengthening unity within Uganda's skateboarding community
Partnership
Skate Across Africa
Skate Across Africa is a movement created through a partnership between Kampala Skateboard Initiative (KSI) and Jason to connect skateboarding, youth empowerment, and community development across Africa.
Before collaborating with KSI, Jason completed long-distance skateboarding journeys across America and Japan, using skateboarding to connect with people and communities around the world.
Together, the mission focuses on supporting skate communities, mentoring youth, distributing skate equipment, documenting stories, and raising support for skatepark development projects in Uganda — and building impact through skateboarding across Africa.
What We Do
Programs & Initiatives
Community
Supporting Vulnerable Children
KSI works with vulnerable children, youth skaters, and families in Uganda by creating safe spaces, mentorship programs, and community support initiatives.
Beyond skateboarding, KSI is growing its support in education, feeding programs, scholarships, community outreach, and youth skills development.
KSI believes every child deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, and feel supported regardless of their background.
Education
Education & Learning
Education is becoming one of KSI's leading priorities. KSI aims to support children by helping them access learning opportunities, improve English, gain knowledge, and develop practical life skills.
Future educational initiatives include school support, scholarships, ICT & digital training, creative learning workshops, and mentorship programs.
Community Support
Caring Beyond the Skatepark
KSI believes real community development starts with caring for people beyond the skatepark.
The organization supports children and families facing difficult situations through community outreach, food support, and basic needs assistance whenever possible.
The Team 
People Behind KSI
Oyo Isaac
"Huston / Jojinah"
Co-founder & Executive Director
Ssekiziyvu Ephraim
Co-founder & Creative Director
Omerikol Elvis Dan
Co-founder & Managing Director
Annick Dhont
International Relations Advisor (Europe)
Genesis
"Kwasa Davis"
Legal Counsel & Head of Logistics
Nziiza Kevin
Operations Director
Projects 
What We've Done & Where We're Going
Past Projects
- Skate workshops
- Gear donations
- Skate Show 2024
- Uganda Connection Event
- Video Premiere Event
- Supporting families in need with groceries and utilities
Future Projects
- KSI ICT Training Program
- Professional skateboard manufacturing
- Skatepark construction
- Skill development and learning facilities
- Community hub / youth center
- Expansion of national and regional skate programs
Supporters
Sponsors & Supporters
KSI is grateful for the support of organizations, brands, individuals, and communities around the world who believe in the power of skateboarding to transform lives.
Organizations
- Skate Like a Girl Australia
- Skate Transformavidas
Brands
- Shark Wheels
- Double FF
- OUS
- Lodis Footwear
Individuals
- Garcia Skateboards
- Kota
- Vaughnsohanajerkyatx
- David
- jorgeaguiar_art
- Jeff
Communities
- Gnars
- Nouns
- Vedruna Valencia
Looking Ahead
Vision 2030
Kampala Skateboard Initiative's Vision 2030 is to build a future where skateboarding drives youth empowerment, education, leadership, and community transformation across Africa. We envision hundreds of children enrolled in KSI sponsorship programs, receiving education support, feeding assistance, mentorship, and opportunities to progress in skateboarding and life.
KSI aims to establish youth and community hubs, deliver ICT and skills training, manufacture and distribute professional skateboards across Africa, and strengthen the African skateboarding scene through partnerships, skatepark development, and continental championships.
Through collaboration with companies, governments, and organizations that believe in change — alongside leadership summits bringing together innovators, entrepreneurs, and mentors — KSI seeks to empower thousands of vulnerable children and families while creating sustainable impact across Uganda and Africa.
- Hundreds of children enrolled in KSI sponsorship programs
- Youth and community hubs with ICT and skills training
- Manufacturing and distribution of professional skateboards across Africa
- Skatepark development and continental championships
- Leadership summits empowering innovators, entrepreneurs, and mentors
Documentary
Uganda Connection
Watch the trailer for the Uganda Connection documentary — a film capturing the spirit of KSI, the youth of Kampala, and the journey that brought skateboarders together across Africa.
Child Sponsorship
Sponsor a Child
Like so many children in Uganda, these kids live in extreme poverty. Through KSI’s child sponsorship program, your monthly contribution puts a child in school — with a uniform, textbooks, covered exam fees, a healthy daily lunch, and medical care when needed. Above all, it gives them an education and hope for a better future.
Mpuga Joseph
“My favorite animal is a dog. I love skateboarding and dancing, my favorite color is red and I like math. When I grow up, I want to become an engineer.”
Joseph comes from a family affected by addiction. His father is unknown and his mother has struggled with addiction and mental health problems for more than 20 years. Joseph lives with his mother at his grandmother’s one-roomed house in the slums of Kawaala, a village in Kampala. His grandmother is unemployed and struggles to provide basic needs for the family, especially school fees.
Sponsor Joseph →
Kirabira Emma
“I like to skate with my friends. My favorite animal is an elephant and I love drawing with pencils. My favorite food is matoke (green banana) and chicken, and my favorite color is blue. When I grow up, I want to become a builder.”
Emma lives with his single mother, uncle and three siblings in an unfinished house in Kawaala. His mother sells fruit as a street vendor and earns very little. Because the house is unfinished, it floods whenever it rains. Your support through the KSI child sponsorship program will help Emma attend school, be fitted with a uniform, receive textbooks and covered exam fees, a healthy daily school lunch, and medical care when needed — and most importantly, an education that gives him hope for a better future.
Sponsor Emma →
Omerikol Ezra
“My favorite color is red and my best animal is a zebra. I like to read books and my favorite food is rice and beans. I like skating and playing soccer with my friends, and I would love to become a mechanic.”
Ezra is the youngest of six children. His father was arrested when he was two years old and remains so to this day. They live in a single-roomed house in Kasubi. Ezra’s single mother does laboring jobs such as cleaning and community laundry to earn a small income, and she cannot afford school fees. Your support through the KSI sponsorship program will change Ezra’s life and help his entire family.
Sponsor Ezra →
Nakanyike Mariam
“I live at Kawaala and I like playing hide and seek and skateboarding with my friends. My favorite food is rice and meat. I want to become a nurse when I grow up.”
Mariam lives with her mother and six siblings in a single rented room. Her mother runs a small cart of vegetables, and every morning Mariam’s brothers, aged 9 and 10, move around the village selling vegetables to help raise a living. Her mother is single and receives no support from the children’s father. Your monthly contribution will enable Mariam to attend school, receive a uniform, textbooks and covered exam fees, a healthy daily lunch, and medical care when needed.
Sponsor Mariam →
Kanyike Favor
“I love skateboarding and playing football with my friends. My favorite color is yellow. When I grow up, I want to become a pilot.”
Favor is Mariam’s 10-year-old brother, living with their mother and six siblings in a single rented room. They do not go to school. Their mother runs a small vegetable cart, and each morning Favor and his brother carry baskets around the village selling vegetables to help her. Favor has never known his father. Their mother struggles to provide basic needs — food, medication, and schooling. Your support through the KSI child sponsorship program will change Favor’s life and that of his entire family.
Sponsor Favor → Take Action
Get Involved
KSI runs on the generosity of people who believe skateboarding can change lives. Whether you donate, volunteer, or simply spread the word — you make a difference.
Donate
Your contribution supports skateboarding sessions, equipment, feeding programs, scholarships, and the future skatepark. Every amount matters.
Support KSIVolunteer
Are you a skater, educator, photographer, or just someone who wants to help? KSI welcomes volunteers from all backgrounds.
Apply to Volunteer Contact
Get in Touch
Reach out to us directly or follow along on social media.