EYC - the Vision
Empower Youth Corp. (EYC) is transforming lives, one young athlete at a time, by supporting underprivileged youth in both Uganda and New York City. Founded by Ugandan Olympian and New York–based runner Julius Mutekanga, EYC harnesses the power of sports to uplift, empower, and equip the next generation with the tools they need to thrive, on and off the field.
At the heart of our mission is a commitment to changing the trajectory of young lives through structured training, mentorship, and holistic support. We focus on essential needs such as one-on-one coaching, access to quality sports gear, event logistics, and sponsorships—ensuring that every child, regardless of their background, has the chance to succeed.
In New York City, boys and young men aged 6 to 25 receive weekly training that fosters not just athletic excellence, but discipline and character. Across the globe in Fort Portal, Western Uganda, both boys and girls take part in competitive soccer, volleyball, and running programs that build teamwork, resilience, and hope.
Beyond physical training, EYC offers an ongoing mentorship program designed to nurture team spirit, dignity, mental well-being, and personal growth. By partnering with local schools, we provide tailored, one-on-one sessions that help identify and overcome personal challenges—empowering youth to reach their full potential and become leaders in their communities.
Empower Youth Corp. isn't just building athletes—it's building futures.
History and Founder
Empower Youth Corp. (EYC) was born from the extraordinary journey of its founder, Julius Mutekanga—a Ugandan middle-distance runner and 2012 Olympian whose life is a testament to perseverance, purpose, and the power of opportunity.
Raised in Fort Portal, Uganda, as one of fourteen children in a modest household, Julius turned to the one sport that cost nothing but offered everything: running. By the age of seven, he was pounding the dirt roads of his hometown—unaware that this simple act would one day carry him across the world. His talent and tenacity propelled him through school, and in 2007, he represented Uganda at the World University Games in Bangkok, reaching the semifinals in both the 400m and 800m events.
His performance caught the attention of U.S. universities, and in 2008, Julius accepted an athletic scholarship to Long Island University in Brooklyn, New York. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work in 2010—an achievement he proudly dedicates to every young person back home who didn’t have the same opportunity.
Instead of continuing on to graduate school, Julius made a bold choice: to train for the Olympics. With support from the Central Park Running Club and an unyielding work ethic, he qualified for the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, realizing a lifelong dream.
But Julius didn’t stop there.
Competing on the world stage deepened his resolve to give back. He understood firsthand the barriers young people face when opportunity is scarce. Fueled by this awareness, he launched Empower Youth Corp., determined to extend the same life-changing support he received to underprivileged youth in Uganda and New York City.
Under Julius’s leadership, EYC stands not just as an athletic program, but as a movement—built on the belief that with guidance, mentorship, and access, every child can chase their dreams and cross their own finish line.
Julius made it to the Olympics. Now, he's helping others reach their own version of gold.
Global Youth Ambassadorship
Under the leadership of Coach Julius Mutekanga, Empower Youth Corp. (EYC) launched its Ambassador Program to give young people an active role in shaping and expanding the organization’s programs.
The program’s first ambassador, Sebastian Arsala, became involved with EYC as an elementary school student in New York City, where he first met Coach Mutekanga. That early connection has grown into six years of ongoing service and a lasting commitment to EYC’s mission. Today, as the organization’s first Lead Youth Ambassador, he helps create opportunities for young people through sports, education, and community support.
Through his work with EYC and repeated visits to Fort Portal, Uganda, Sebastian has helped secure significant funding and thousands of soccer shoes, along with uniforms and other essential supplies for EYC’s programs. His efforts have supported the renovation of four schoolhouses and two sports fields, as well as the provision of maintenance equipment and educational materials. He has also helped coordinate the collection and international shipment of humanitarian and educational supplies, connecting donors with the communities EYC serves.
Sebastian also established EYC’s grant-writing program to open new avenues for cooperation and funding, laying the groundwork for partnerships that can sustain and expand the organization’s work. His contributions extend to supporting EYC’s website redesign and organizational communications, developing content that shares its mission, managing social media outreach, and assisting with fundraising campaigns. His service reflects a belief at the heart of EYC: that sustained support and access to opportunity can help young people thrive in school, in sports, and in their communities.
Over the next two years, EYC aims to expand the Ambassador Program to include three or four global ambassadors. These ambassadors will help raise awareness of EYC’s work and its positive impact on young people and communities in Uganda.
Our Impact
Empower Youth Corp. (EYC) has raised and provided more than 15,000 pieces of clothing, 9,100 pairs of shoes, 500 soccer balls, and critical funding used to help send children to school. Since launching, numerous boys have earned scholarships to play high school soccer, compete in track & field at the collegiate level, and continue their higher education—extraordinary steps toward brighter futures. In Uganda, there has also been a notable increase in girls’ participation in both soccer and running, a milestone that reflects EYC’s strong commitment to gender inclusion and empowerment. Local sporting events now draw families and entire communities, giving young athletes a platform to showcase their talents while building confidence in front of those who matter most to us all.
At its core, EYC is about far more than athletics. The organization fosters discipline, unity, mental well-being, and academic achievement through an ongoing mentorship program designed to guide and uplift underserved youth. By partnering with schools and community leaders, EYC provides tailored support that helps young people overcome personal barriers and realize their full potential. Through engaging idle and underserved youth in positive opportunities, EYC opens the door to self-improvement and inspires participants to invest not only in their own futures, but also in the future of their communities.
Empower Youth Corp. isn’t just about playing the game—it’s about changing the game. Under the leadership of Julius Mutekanga, the organization continues to help young people run toward their dreams, one stride at a time.