Event Information
Called. Empowered. Sent.
The National Youth Convention 2026, Uganda's flagship assembly of Catholic youth, hosted by the Kampala Ecclesiastical Province Youth Apostolate (KEYA). Theme: "Take Courage, I have overcome the world" (John 16:33).
December 2026
Mark the date. The full programme is shared with registered pilgrims through official channels.
20,000-25,000 Pilgrims
Young people aged 13-35 from all 4 Ecclesiastical Provinces and 20 dioceses of Uganda.
"Take Courage"
Liturgy, keynotes, workshops, sports, outreach and a national cultural festival.
Digital Pass with QR
Register once, get your reference number and scannable pass in your portal.
Uganda's flagship youth assembly
The National Youth Convention 2026 is the flagship assembly of Catholic youth across Uganda, hosted by KEYA, the Kampala Ecclesiastical Province Youth Apostolate, and led by the Kampala Archdiocesan Children and Youth Apostolate (KAYA). Anchored on Christ's call to "Take Courage" (John 16:33), NYC 2026 gathers young pilgrims for days of spiritual formation, fellowship, cultural celebration and transformative engagement.
From solemn liturgy and Mass to keynote sessions, practical workshops, sports and community outreach: a gathering you carry with you for life. NYC is a proven movement of renewal:
15,000+NYC 2024Hoima Diocese
13,000+NYC 2025Gulu Archdiocese
20k-25kNYC 2026Expected pilgrims
The five pillars
Faith Formation & Renewal
Encounter Christ deeply through liturgy, sacraments, Eucharistic Adoration, Confession and prayer. 1 Tim 4:12
Unity & National Identity
Unite Uganda's four Ecclesiastical Provinces under one banner, fostering national solidarity and Catholic youth identity.
Contemporary Challenges
Practical workshops on mental health, unemployment, relationships and environmental stewardship rooted in Catholic Social Teaching.
Leadership & Mission
Prepare youth for leadership in Church and society with integrity, courage and community outreach.
The Universal Church
Aligning with World Youth Day themes and papal messages, connecting Ugandan youth with the global Church.
Road to NYC 2026
Key milestones and provincial gatherings on the journey to the convention:
14 May
NYC Official Launch27 Jun
KEYA Annual General Meeting4 Jul
NYC Choir preparations begin across dioceses31 Jul
KEYA Fundraising Dinner18 Sep
NYC Marathon Charity Walk30-31 Oct
KEYA Sports Gala & UNYAC
Getting ready
Accommodation
We provide accommodation for pilgrims. Private accommodation is also available at discounted prices. Options and booking guidance are shared with registered pilgrims through the portal and official channels.
Stay informed
All official details, including logistics and travel guidance, are announced through your pilgrim portal, email and the Secretariat contacts below. Register to stay in the loop.
Special requirements
The registration form has a field for dietary needs, medical assistance or accessibility requirements. Tell us there and the Secretariat will plan for you.
Good to bring
A valid ID, your Bible and a notebook, comfortable clothing for active convention days, personal essentials and any medication you need. Your pass (on your phone or printed) gets you through the gate.
Frequently asked questions
How do I register?
Fill in the
registration form. It takes about two minutes. You'll verify your details with a 6-digit code, choose a password, and land straight in your pilgrim portal with your reference number and digital pass.
Can I register without an email address?
Yes. Email is optional; your phone number is enough. The verification step completes on-screen and your reference number is shown immediately.
How do group or parish registrations work?
Parish leaders, chaplains and movement coordinators can register a whole group at once on the
Group Registration page, either by entering members manually or uploading the Excel template provided there.
What is my reference number and pass?
Every registered pilgrim gets a unique reference number (like NYC-XXXXXX-UG) and a digital pass with a QR code, available anytime in your portal under My Pass. Gate teams scan it at check-in. Keep it on your phone or print it. A physical wearable pass will also be provided at the venue.
Does registering online cost anything?
Online registration is free. To receive your convention pass, a fee of UGX 20,000 is required. Payment details and arrangements are communicated officially by the KEYA Secretariat through the portal and your contacts. Always confirm through official channels only.
I'm coming from outside Uganda. Can I attend?
Absolutely. Select "International Pilgrim" as your diocese when registering and you'll receive an international reference number. Reach out to the Secretariat for travel guidance.
Can I ask the speakers a question or suggest a topic?
Yes! The Your Voice section in your pilgrim portal lets you submit questions for speakers, suggest topics (Marriage, Faith, Career, Mental Health) or share feedback with the Secretariat once you have registered.
How can my organisation support NYC 2026?
Gold, Silver and Bronze sponsorship packages cover logistics, materials and pilgrim support, from event branding to sponsoring specific youth delegations or workshop tracks. Merch pre-orders from the official shop also fund youth delegates. Email or call the Secretariat below to enquire.
How is my personal data handled?
Your contact details are stored encrypted and used only for convention communication, in line with the Uganda Data Protection and Privacy Act. Read the full
Privacy Policy, including how to request deletion of your data.
I registered but can't sign in. What do I do?
Use
"Forgot password" on the
sign-in page. A verification code sent to your contacts lets you set a new password. Still stuck? Call the Secretariat below.
Ready to take courage?
Join 20,000+ young pilgrims. Registration takes about two minutes.
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NYC 2026
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