How a Ugandan Catholic Youth-Led Initiative is Responding to Laudato Si’
Across Uganda, young people are leading the charge in climate action, blending faith with tangible solutions. From schools and universities to dioceses, these youth are pioneering sustainability projects that extend beyond borders, now reaching Kenya and Tanzania. At the heart of this effort is the Laudato Youth Initiative (LYI), a dynamic force housed at the John Paul II Justice and Peace Centre in Uganda’s capital Kampala. Though operating from a modest one-room office, LYI coordinates a vast network of passionate young leaders committed to ecological transformation.
Poetry for Unity in Humanity and ecological conversation
Our Laudato Youth compose poems that express humanity's yearning and need for ecological conversion.
Where has our integrity gone?
We’ve traded it away for the insatiable greed of quantity,
Forgetting the essence of quality.
Look around—what have we done?
We’ve sacrificed our dignity,
All for a mentality that has become our harsh reality.
Upcoming Events - LYI
Laudato Youth Initiative: Rebranding African Wisdom for Climate Action
Laudato Youth Initiative: Rebranding African Wisdom for Climate Action
The Laudato Youth Initiative is empowering a new generation of young leaders by revitalizing African wisdom and storytelling as transformative…
Jubilee Year - Pilgrims of Hope
In May, Pope Francis unveiled the theme for the upcoming Jubilee Year 2025:"Pilgrims of Hope" (Spes non Confundit – Hope Does Not Disappoint). This theme encourages everyone to embody hope and share it with others amidst the challenges and uncertainties of life. We are all invited to be part of this extraordinary year focused on faith and hope, where justice and peace are paramount. Let us nurture the seeds of hope and love for both God and Creation.
Historical Roots of the Jubilee.
The concept of the Jubilee is steeped in ancient biblical tradition, particularly in Leviticus, where it was a time to liberate slaves, cancel debts, and allow the earth to rejuvenate every fifty years. In the Christian context, it emphasizes reconciliation, renewal, and compassion towards those who are marginalized. Observed every twenty-five years, the Jubilee serves as a chance for spiritual reflection and communal celebration.
Preparations in Motion by LYI
Across the Country, Laudato Youth are stepping up as pilgrims of Green Hope, organizing local and national events to honor the Jubilee. Celebrations will take place at the grassroots level with our Laudato Si Clubs, aligned with the Church in Rome, all united under the theme of hope, culminating in the 10th Anniversary of the Encyclical Laudato Si in May.
We will embark on pilgrimages to sites of historical religious and ecological significance, with each of our Laudato Si Clubs designating a local pilgrimage location and joining specific sites for each diocese and country where feasible. This Jubilee will also allow us to honor the Uganda Martyrs and their profound ecological spiritual legacy, especially as 2025 is just a year after the 60 years anniversary of their canonization. Their faith and dedication will serve as a beacon of inspiration.
Engagement of Laudato Youth and our Laudato Si Clubs
A significant event will be a youth pilgrimage during the May youth conference to Fort Portal Diocese, celebrating the 10th Anniversary of Laudato Si. Additional events, including the Jubilee for Youth Reflections in April and the Jubilee for Young People in August, that will lead to the canonization of two modern exemplars of faith: Blessed Carlo Acutis a youth like us and Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati.
Plenary Indulgences and Resources
Participants in designated Jubilee pilgrimages can receive plenary indulgences, in accordance with the guidelines provided by the Holy Father Pope Francis. Details regarding indulgences, events, and resources can be found on the official Jubilee Year website.
Stay Engaged
To participate in the Holy Year and keep up with our activities, please visit our Jubilee Year webpage or email us at laudatoyouthinitiative@gmail.com to be involved
As our Holy Father encourages us, the Jubilee Year is a moment to renew our hope in Christ and embark on our journey as pilgrims of hope, inspired by the teachings of the Apostle Paul and our collective faith.
John Paul II Justice and Peace Centre Kampala, Uganda – 16th Dec 2024 – The Laudato Youth Initiative is thrilled to announce its theme for the upcoming Jubilee Year 2025, titled “Pilgrims of Green Hope.” This year-long initiative aims to enhance climate action across Uganda and beyond by integrating faith, science, and ecology, inspired by the encyclical Laudato Si’ Laudate Deum, SDG 13, Catholic Social Teaching on the environment and Ugandan environmental laws.
Laudato Youth Initiative Announces Jubilee Year
2025 Theme: “Pilgrims of Green Hope”
Uganda’s Electric Buses: A Dream Come True for Laudato Youth and other Environmental Enthusiasts
Jinja is stepping into the future with a groundbreaking initiative that promises to transform public transport in Uganda and set a precedent for sustainable travel nationwide. Over the weekend of the 23rd of Nov 2024, E-Bus Xpress launched its innovative electric bus service, marking a significant milestone in the country’s commitment to eco-friendly transportation.
The E-Bus Xpress fleet is made up of Kayoola EVS electric buses, which are designed to operate without emitting any harmful pollutants. This means riders can enjoy a serene and comfortable journey while contributing to a cleaner environment.
Our Club’s President honored at the National Girl Child Championship Awards.
Every year, Uganda commemorates the International Day of the Girl Child on October 11th. As part of this celebration, Kaleke Kasome and its partners organize the National Girl Championship Awards. A ceremony took place on October 10th every year in collaboration with the Ministry of Gender, Labor, and Social Development, and the SDG (Sustainable Development Goals) Secretariat within the Office of the Prime Minister, to honor girls who have made a significant impact in society and our nation.
To hope and act with Creation
This year’s Season of Creation, we are embarking on reducing our carbon footprint through activities within our means. We will enhance our One Million Tree Planting Drive. On 1 September we held a creation care Mass for the prayer of the care for creatures. We shall also participate in an Interfaith Conference on Climate and the Environment in kampala, Creation Care Conference with UIW, Tx and hold an open air Mass on the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, the Patron of Ecology to close the season of creation.
Reducing your carbon footprint is important for the health of the planet. By making small changes in your daily life, you can make a big difference.
Every little bit helps!
Together we can renew our hope and commitment to protecting the environment: Let us focus on reducing our Carbon Footprint.
Carbon footprint measures the amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere due to the activities of a particular individual, organization, or community. So, the total amount of greenhouse gases generated by our actions includes everything from the food we eat to the clothes we wear and how we get around.
The average carbon footprint for a person in Uganda is equivalent to 0.13 tons per person (based on a population of 38,748,299 in 2016). This means that the average person in Uganda emits about 0.13 tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) into the atmosphere each year that is why all have a role to play
Which questions "What is happening to our common home?"
The initiative focuses on climate education to instill a mindset change in young people. By utilizing behavioral change communication and media tools, Laudato Youth are equipped with the knowledge, skills, values, and attitudes necessary to become effective agents of Climate change in addressing the climate crisis.
Let us focus on solutions within our reach to solve the problem of climate change debate. Our activities and programs are focused on inspiring climate action through advancing climate change solutions that respond to the problems of our society and communities through our through Laudato Si Clubs in Schools, Universities, Parishes, Dioceses and Communities. Listen to the voices and reflect on the work of Laudato Youth who voluntarily unite to take action for future generations
Focusing on Solutions within our Reach
to Combat Climate Change
A key aspect of Laudato Youth's efforts is tree planting
The planting of indigenous and fruit trees because they are crucial for maintaining ecosystem balance and biodiversity while also serving as valuable sources of essential nutrients for food security. By engaging in tree planting initiatives like our current One Million Tree Planting Drive, we contribute to poverty alleviation, sustainable development, and mitigation of natural disasters like floods through rain formation and water absorption.
We emphasize the importance of service learning in our clubs
because it enhances the intergation and connectedness giving greater insights to practical intergral ecology, expereince learning and teaching, open avenues to bold steps in research, science and innovation inspiring community out reach programs for realia, smart gardening, etc, We educate club members on sustainable waste management practices that benefit both the environment and the community. Engage in debates and symposiums to expand their knowledge.
What
we do..
Our activities and programs focus on responding to climate change through clubs in Schools, Universities, Parishes and Dioceses as a non-profit Catholic Religious Youth-Led initiative in Uganda that promotes the encyclical Laudato Si’ and Enviromental Action to create more sustainable communities.
Embrace recycling rules
By following the dos and don’ts. Compose all organic waste from your home, institution, or business and use it to start your home smart garden.
Separate your material
NO mixing material waste, some are recyclable, and others can be re-used. Use recyclable bags for shopping and embrace the 3Rs (reuse, recycling, and reduce)
Do NOT Dump Plastics
Dispose of hard plastics, Glass, or any other Material well to safeguard the environment and avoid contaminating the soil as it reduces its productivity. The soil is the food basket that feeds us. A plastic free environment begins with me!
Go Green with Laudato Youth
Plant a fruit or indigenous tree to support the ecosystem and biodiversity. It is aalso one way to reduce your Carbon Footprint. Other ways can be; reducing your energy consumption and go Solar, say no to charcoal burning make smart solutions that last, talk less, and do more, avoid the blame game but play the action game, give up your excessive plastic consumption habit and invest in making recyclable material and Join the laudato youth initiative to amplify voices for creation care.
Make a life-long commitment to climate action.
Reduce your Carborn Footprint and the Carbon footprint of your (family, – do something about the 3rs, Organisation, – considers climate action for your co operate social responsebility, Institution , Church – read and intergrate Laudato Si and Country – by complying to the environmental laws. Let us embrace solutions with in our means, and avoid the BLAME GAME but play the ACTION game. Unite with others for action. The World is counting on you!
The future of our young people is in your hands. Let us make a difference together Be part of our impactful youth community. If you can imagine it, we can grow it here.
LYI brings a
new African-engrained Perspective
The international response to the climate crisis needs to bridge the gap between Cop summits and the experience of those who face its consequences. It must ignite hope for a climate-resilient generation
We bring a new African-engrained perspective
Stewards of the future
Premio
San Giovanni Paolo II AWard
The “Premio San Giovanni Paolo II” award is a unique recognition of those who, in their work, continue the spiritual and scientific heritage of Saint John Paul II, promoting his ideas internationally thanks to which they contribute to the development of the human family.
JP2JPC Wins John Paul II Vatican Foundation Award
Recognition by Saint John Paul II
News & Articles
Discover the latest updates, insightful articles, and inspiring stories on environmental sustainability and laudato youth action response. Stay informed and empowered to make a meaningful impact on our planet.
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Heatwaves
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Action
Response
Through activities such as tree planting, promoting a shift in mindset, facilitating mentorship, fostering collaboration, networking within the community, empowering leadership, conducting hands-on research experiences, promoting unity and solidarity, and raising awareness through climate education within clubs, families and neighboring communities, we strive to make a tangible impact. A plastic free nation begins with your action response.