Youth entrepreneurship is widely recognized as a critical pathway for economic development and youth empowerment in rural Uganda. However, access to start-up capital remains a persistent barrier. This study investigates the disaggregated impact of three capital access constructs source availability, affordability, and procedural knowledge on corresponding dimensions of youthparticipation: economic, socio-civic, and innovation & sectoral participation. A cross-sectional survey design was employed, collecting data from a stratified random sample of 350 youth entrepreneurs in Kisoro District. Data were analyzed using multiple regression with control variables in SPSS. Results revealed differentiated effects: capital source availability most strongly predicted economic participation (β = .625, p < .001), capital affordability best predicted socio- civic participation (β = .525, p < .001), and procedural knowledge accessibility was the strongest predictor of innovation participation (β = .585, p < .001). The models explained substantial variance (R² = .545 to .612). The study concludes that capital access is not a monolithic constraint butcomprises distinct barriers affecting different participation outcomes. Recommendations are offered for developing multi-faceted financial inclusion strategies that address specific capital access dimensions to foster holistic youth empowerment.