Sowing Ecological Witness: The Laudato Youth Initiative, St. Adolf, and the Uganda Martyrs

By Br. Adolf Mugume, C.S.C.

Today 3rd June, as Uganda and its diaspora community commemorate the Uganda Martyrs, it is an optune moment to shine a light on the Laudato Youth Initiative (LYI) and initiative that unites faith, culture, farming, and climate action. Inspired by St. Adolf Ludigo-Mukasa, affectionately called the “St. Francis of Uganda,” among the Laudato Youth and grounded in the spiritual heritage of the Uganda Martyrs, LYI invites young people to view agriculture and animal husbandry not just as sources of income, but as sacred acts of stewardship and faith that in tending them we learn to be humble, work and form social economic bonds that most of our young Catholics need today.

St. Adolf: The Farmer-Saint and Ecological Model

St. Adolf, one of the 22 Uganda Martyrs, embodied an integrated life of faith and ecology. He was a sustainable farmer, protector of animals, and a cultural conservationist. He and his fellow martyrs lived their Christian faith through the land—embracing totems, planting trees, and cultivating gardens. St. Adolf is now the patron of farmers and herdsmen in Uganda, his legacy inspires LYI’s outreach to grassroot youth in communities to know the value faith, hardwork and humility embeded in Charity could offer towards the spiritual and economic well being of a Country like Uganda. They put God first and you know our Country is the Land of the Martyrs who put faith first. Just like everyone knows with Uganda its about embracing “For God and My Country”.

During an ecological Mass at St. Adolf Parish in Kanyabachope, Kyenjojo—his home district—we visited the “Gardens of Reconciliation” and reflected on how sacred spaces can be created in his honor.

These spaces can become key destinations for spiritual and ecological pilgrimages, advancing Uganda’s aspirations for faith-based tourism. The Fort Portal Diocese, rich in culture and Christian history, has tremendous potential to contribute meaningfully to Uganda’s tourism sector, starting right within the Church at St. Adolf Shrine in Katoosa where thousands gather to the inconic Cathedral with a strong history to the Uganda Martyrs Shrine a home to the Martyrs.

The Laudato Youth Initiative: Cultivating a Generation of Stewards

Founded during the 2020 COVID-19 lockdowns, the Laudato Youth Initiative now reaches over 10,000 young people across schools, universities, parishes, and local communities in East Africa. Through Laudato Si’ Clubs, LYI nurtures a new generation of leaders who see the environment through the lens of faith, African identity, and Catholic social teaching.

Under the mentorship of Laudato Si Club Leaders, LYI is forming young stewards—Laudato Youth—who are being shaped spiritually, socially, creatively, and ecologically. A key feature is the Laudato Si’ Festival Program, which is already moving across regional dioceses and will soon be launched nationally. These festivals include open-air ecological Masses, like the one recently celebrated under the “trees of reconciliation” at St. Adolf Parish to mark the 10th anniversary of Laudato Si’—a celebration that seamlessly blended faith, culture, farming, and climate action into living tradition.

The Uganda Martyrs: Seeds of Faith and Ecology

The Uganda Martyrs, through their unwavering commitment to Christ, left a legacy that extends beyond spiritual martyrdom. Their lives reflect an ecological consciousness that the LYI now carries forward.

Following in St. Adolf’s agricultural footsteps, LYI encourages youth to adopt environmental stewardship as both personal commitment and communal mission. Through tree-planting campaigns, climate education, waste-to-resource innovation, sustainable water practices, ecosystem management, and mental health support, LYI empowers its members to reflect the Martyrs’ holistic witness—faithful and rooted in care for creation.

Uganda: The “Pearl of Africa” and Model of Agricultural Resilience

Uganda, known as the “Pearl of Africa,” draws its strength from its natural bounty. LYI’s One Million Tree Planting Campaign promotes indigenous and fruit-bearing trees to boost biodiversity, improve soil health, store carbon, and uplift rural communities. This initiative furthers St. Adolf’s mission: to ensure that agriculture brings abundance, communities thrive, and the environment heals—driven by a spiritual and ecological consciousness.

As a Church, we must be holistic: fostering faith, appreciating labor, teaching youth practical skills, and showing them they have a valued place in the Church’s life. That’s how we raise a generation that is not only faithful but also resourceful and charitable.

Forming Youth Leaders in Faith and Ecology

The Laudato Youth Initiative integrates Laudato Si’, African ecological wisdom, and the example of the Uganda Martyrs into a dynamic youth leadership movement. Activities like community clean-ups, storytelling, civic dialogue, and emotional wellness programs turn faith into action.

In recent features on the Laudato Si’ Action Platform, we’ve shared our conviction that authentic transformation must come from within communities—mirroring the courage and rootedness of St. Adolf, who stood firm in his faith even under threat.

Toward a Future Rooted in Faith and Farming

Through pilgrimages, clubs, ecological Masses, and storytelling, the Laudato Youth Initiative is cultivating an ecological conversion—a renewal rooted in the courage of the Uganda Martyrs and the lived faith of St. Adolf. By blending faith, culture, agriculture, and leadership, LYI offers a powerful model for sustainable development in Uganda and an inspiring example for the global Church.

As Laudato Si’ reminds us, “integral ecology” means that justice, spirituality, and care for creation are inseparable. Through our work, which honors ancient wisdom while responding to today’s crises, the Laudato Youth are sowing seeds of peace, hope, and renewal throughout the Pearl of Africa—echoing Pope Francis’s call for ecological justice and Pope Leo’s plea to protect sacred spaces and the earth.

Reflect with us on these Quotes

“Agriculture is not just economic—it is sacred work, rooted in faith and creation.” — Br. Adolf Mugume, C.S.C.
“The Uganda Martyrs didn’t only die for Christ also they lived for creation.”

“An African Church views itself successful reflecting on its closeness to modeling christ who was born in a simple family of a carpenter: so so we see farming as a sacred activity that is better when it also nurturing faith, teaches work, to build the Kingdom of justice and peace.”
“St. Adolf’s legacy teaches us that tending the land is a spiritual vocation.”
“The soil remembers faith. Uganda’s future lies in sacred farming and youth empowerment.”

“Faith-based tourism can turn Uganda into a destination for both prayer and sustainability.”

“Through Laudato Youth, view the church as a school of ecology, culture, and leadership.”

“Ecological conversion begins when youth see the earth as a reflection of God’s love.”

“Integral ecology means we cannot separate our spirituality from our responsibility.”