Carrying the Legacy of Pope Francis: Laudato Si’ at 10 and the Rise of Uganda’s Ecological Faith consortium
Ten years ago (2015 – 2025), Pope Francis penned Laudato Si’, a revolutionary encyclical that called upon the world to care for our common home. A decade later, its message is more urgent and more alive than ever. Nowhere was this more evident than at the Uganda Martyrs Shrine in Munyonyo, where faith leaders, youth, and environmental advocates gathered today, May 15, to mark the 10th Anniversary of Laudato Si’ in a powerful two-day encounter.
In a stirring presentation, Sarah Kirikumwino, President of the Laudato Si Clubs, emphasized how Pope Francis has not only left behind a powerful ecological document but has birthed our strong youth Initiative that has taken root in Uganda, now in Kenya and Tanzania through youth-led tree planting, eco- innovative science innovations, Mental Health Programs, Ecological Education, waste management solutions, media and advocacy, institutional and cooperate climate initiatives etc
The Martyrs’ Spirit in our Ecological Mission
Hosting this celebration at the Uganda Martyrs Shrine was no coincidence. It underscored a powerful spiritual lineage: just as the Martyrs stood firm in faith, today as Laudato Youth, we stand firm in defending and caring for creation. Their message for Climate action was not just a mere say but practical. They respected animals and plants in the form of totems and used them as their symbols of respect, like St. Adolf were great farmers and cared for animals, and today he is a patron of farmers and herdsmen. This was not a political agenda, it was a moral and spiritual imperative. We take the line of interpreting Laudato Si from a spiritual and moral stance inspired by this value, but most importantly, Go,d who is the creator.
Sarah Kirikumwino shares the message that explains the concept of integral ecology.
Earlier this year, our story inspired global attention when our story was featured by Vatican Media three consecutive weeks to inspire the universal church on how we leave the values of Laudato Si, where reflections were shared on how our climate Justice, environment and mental health programs and the story of the Martyrs continues to shape the country’s environmental path. From mountains to families to communities, Schools to Universities, Institutions to Corporate organisations, we are amplifying voices for Laudato Si’ to be lived out through grassroots action inspired by Uganda’s rich spiritual, cultural heritage, inspired by our enthusiastic majority youth population of Uganda.
The Spirit of Munyonyo: Faith Meets Ecology
Munyonyo, a sacred site where the story of Uganda’s faith and sacrifice is enshrined, served as the perfect backdrop to launch the Laudato Si’ Encounter. Led by the Archdiocese of Kampala and organized in partnership with key stakeholders such as the Association of Religious in Uganda (ARU), the Laudato Si Centre Comboni, the John Paul I Justice and Peace Centre, and the Laudato Youth Initiative, among many others this event was not only a commemoration but a recommitment.
The gathering echoed Pope Francis’ urgent plea in Laudato Si’, “Interdependence obliges us to think of one world with a common plan” (LS 164). And this common plan was alive in Munyonyo—through prayer, dialogue, and action.
Pope Francis’ Green Pilgrims: Building on a Decade of Impact
Under our theme, Legacy of Pope Francis as Pilgrims of Green Hope, the day’s discussions reminded us that this is not a passing trend, it’s a growing Initiative. Laudato Si Clubs President Sarah Kirikumwino energized the audience with her powerful reflection on justice and peace as moral responses to climate challenges.
Tomorrow, our Laudato Si Club of Holy Cross Lake View S.S.S. is looking forward to showcasing how tree-planting campaigns, climate marches, and parish-based advocacy programs have become everyday acts of ecological discipleship. The message was clear: Uganda’s youth are not waiting for change; they are leading it.
As we celebrate Pope Francis’ transformative legacy, we are reminded that the Catholic tradition has long recognized the sacred responsibility of stewardship. This prophetic insight supports and strengthens the message of Laudato Si’, reminding us that justice and creation care have always gone hand in hand.
Laudato Si’ in Uganda: A Global Voice with Local Impact
Earlier this year, Uganda’s voice reached the Vatican Media, sharing how the story of the Uganda Martyrs has shaped the country’s deep and growing commitment to Laudato Si’. Faith communities are transforming the spiritual into the practical, mitigating climate change, protecting biodiversity, and building climate-resilient parishes.
Our motto, “United for Climate Action,” captures this moment perfectly. We are not just marking a decade. We are multiplying impact. Uganda is quickly becoming a beacon of ecological faithfulness in Africa, and through this encounter, we aim to inspire even more participation across the globe.
United for Climate Action: What’s Next?
The day’s events, prayers, presentations, and panel discussions culminated in a powerful call to form a united faith-based environmental consortium in Uganda. This aligns with the motto powering this initiative: United for Climate Action. From youth leaders to religious congregations, the message was clear: now is the time to move from reflection to transformation.
As we concluded Day One of the Laudato Si’ Encounter, the atmosphere was filled with reflection and resolve. This is more than a celebration, it’s a call to action. We are forming a generation of Laudato Youth, future stewards committed to protecting God’s creation and ensuring that the legacy of Pope Francis continues to thrive.
The story of Laudato Si’ is still being written, and Uganda is helping write its next chapter. Will you be part of it?
As we move into Day Two of the Encounter, the passion and energy that filled Munyonyo carry with them a promise—that this is not the end of a celebration, but the beginning of a new chapter. One in which Uganda continues to stand as a national voice for climate justice, rooted in faith, inspired by the Martyrs, and led by the enduring legacy of Pope Francis.
Join the mission. Embrace the legacy. Be a pilgrim of green hope.
Sarah for Laudato
