By Laudato Voices

As we approach Uganda Martyrs Day 2025, we are called to reflect on the profound legacy of the Uganda Martyrs, whose faith and sacrifice continue to inspire us. Their commitment to God and country, is embodied in Uganda’s motto “For God and My Country,”. This serves as a beacon of hope and a call to action for all Ugandans to put God and his creation at the centre. We are a Country of Hope, Faith and Resilience. The values must inspire us to uphold an integral ecology.  

The Martyrs and Their Stewardship of Creation

The Uganda Martyrs, including St. Adolf Ludigo-Mukasa, exemplified a deep reverence for creation. St. Adolf, a patron of farmers, herdsmen, was a man of faith, known for his dedication to  agricultural practices best understood ash efforts to protect the environment. He and his companions understood that caring for creation was an integral part of their faith. Their use of totems to protect endangered species and their promotion of sustainable farming practices are testament to their commitment to ecological stewardship.

Their legacy is not just one of spiritual sacrifice but also of environmental consciousness. In the Kingdom of Buganda, where they lived, the Martyrs planted trees, tended gardens, and practiced sustainable farming, ensuring that their community thrived while respecting the earth. This holistic approach to faith and ecology has inspired generations to view environmental care as a spiritual duty. 

Laudato Youth Initiative: Pilgrims of Green Hope

In honor of the Martyrs’ legacy, the Laudato Youth Initiative declared 2025 a year of its  “Pilgrimage of Green Hope.” This year-long campaign aims to integrate faith, science, and ecology, inspired by the encyclical Laudato Si’ and Uganda’s environmental laws. The initiative encourages young people to take an active role in climate action within schools, parishes, dioceses, and communities, fostering a strong sense of hope and unity among the youth. 

With A Call to Action working towards a Plastic-Free Uganda

As we commemorate Uganda Martyrs Day, we are reminded of our responsibility to protect our environment. The Uganda Episcopal Conference, in partnership with the National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA), has previously called for a “kaveera” (plastic bag) free celebration at Namugongo, emphasizing the need to protect Mother Nature. This initiative aligns with Pope Francis’ call to protect “Mother Nature” in his encyclical Laudato Si’. 

In preparation for World Environment Day 2025, the Laudato Youth Initiative has planned a series of activities designed to foster collective action against plastic pollution:

1.  Radio and television programs at national and regional levels to educate the public about plastic pollution and sustainable solutions.
2. School-Based Initiatives: Debates, quizzes, and essay competitions focused on plastic waste reduction to engage youth in environmental stewardship.
3. Tree Planting Campaigns: Efforts to restore degraded areas, through our one million tree planting campaign.
4. Clean-Up Exercises: Targeting plastic waste hotspots to directly address visible pollution.
5. Community Dialogues: Engaging the public and policymakers in meaningful discussions about plastic waste management.
6. Identifying and celebrating Laudato Youth leading impactful plastic waste reduction initiatives.
7. Promoting sustainable practices and showcasing innovative solutions to plastic pollution.
8. Exhibitions: Demonstrating eco-friendly alternatives to plastics to highlight practical solutions.

Looking Forward: World Environment Day 2025

As we look towards World Environment Day 2025, let us draw inspiration from the Uganda Martyrs and their commitment to both faith and the environment. Their legacy challenges us to reflect on our relationship with the earth and to act with love and respect towards creation. In the footsteps of the Uganda Martyrs, may we all become stewards of creation, embracing the call to protect our planet with the same fervor they showed in their faith.

 A Word of Hope

In this Jubilee Year, as we embark on the “Pilgrimage of Green Hope,” let us remember that the blood of the Martyrs is a seed of faith and hope for our country and the rest of Africa. Their sacrifice continues to inspire us to care for creation and to work towards a sustainable future. Together, as Laudato Youth, we can make a difference and honor the legacy of the Uganda Martyrs by protecting our environment and promoting sustainable practices.

Bibliography

• Laudato Youth Initiative. (2025). The Legacy of the Uganda Martyrs in Ecological Sustainability. Retrieved from https://laudato-youthinitiative.org/2025/01/15/the-legacy-of-the-uganda-martyrs-in-ecological-sustainability/
• Laudato Youth Initiative. (2024). Laudato Youth Initiative Announces Jubilee Year 2025 Theme: “Pilgrims of Green Hope”. Retrieved from https://laudato-youthinitiative.org/2024/12/16/laudato-youth-initiative-announces-jubilee-year-2025-theme-pilgrims-of-green-hope/
• Wikipedia Contributors. (2024). Adolphus Ludigo-Mkasa. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adolphus_Ludigo-Mkasa
• National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA). (2019). Protecting Mother Nature! Catholic Church, NEMA to make Namugongo “kaveera” free on Martyrs Day. Retrieved from [https://www.pmldaily.com/news/2019/