By Laudato Voices
It was an honor to participate in an environmental dialogue on UCTV (Uganda Catholic Television) that explored the vital role of youth in conservation and climate action. During the discussion, we explored key topics including: Climate education within the new Ugandan curriculum, youth engagement in policy-making and implementation and resource mobilization for sustainability efforts. Key to the discussion I highlighted the upcoming Laudato Si’ Green Festival, that will united numerous young people for climate action. I am Grateful for this opportunity to amplify the voice of young people and contribute to the ongoing mission of ecological justice inspired by the Laudato Youth Initiative.
You may want to know my opinions in these few questions.
1. How best would you describe a Laudato Youth like you?
A Laudato Youth is a faith-driven, environmentally conscious young person who responds actively to Pope Francis’ call to care for our common home. We are rooted in the spirituality of Laudato Si’, and the Catholic Social Teachings to blend the Call to Action in Laudato Si with the Call to Action in SDG 13 and Uganda’s environmental laws. we see creation not just as nature, but as a gift from God to be cherished, protected, and shared. We lead with passion to act in solidarity, and believe that ecological action is part of our Christian mission.
2. Based on your own experience, how has the Laudato Youth Initiative shaped you?
The Laudato Youth Initiative has transformed how I see the world and my role in it. It has deepened my sense of responsibility—not only toward the environment, but toward people affected by ecological destruction. I’ve learned to connect my faith to real-world action, from tree planting to advocacy, and to understand that caring for creation is a form of reverence to God and discipleship. In Laudato Youth Initiative we are commissioned and sent to form and mentor Laudato Si Clubs that inspire practical climate action and gives hope to young people through the Laudato Si Club Programs.
3. Talking about mental health, do you believe that young people have had to face mental health challenges due to the climate crisis? What’s your experience though?
Yes, absolutely. Many young people feel overwhelmed, anxious, and helpless when they think about the climate crisis—it’s called eco-anxiety. Personally, I have felt it too, especially when I see environmental degradation happening around us with little change. But being part of the Laudato Youth Initiative has helped me channel those feelings into action, hope, and community support, which has greatly improved my mental well-being and to mention our Initiative priotises mental health and Ms Immaculate Kisembo our Laudato Youth Initiative publications editor is writes alot about mental health and how it relates with the environment thus impacting young people which has been very educative for many of us.
4. So highlight for us some of the activities that the Laudato Si Clubs undertake?
Our clubs engage in a variety of activities including:
• Clean-up drives around the school and local communities to fight plastics
• Awareness talks on climate change, and mental health
• Media to raise awareness and create educative content; our recent being about mobilizing and strengthening Youth Voices and action towards responsible use of Ai
• Sustainability programs to Mark Earth Day and Laudato Si Week
• Care for Creation Masses during our Laudato Si’ Green Festivals
• Advocacy through creative arts like music, drama, and poetry
• And we celebrate special events like the Season of Creation and the Laudato Si’ Green Festival
All these help us grow spiritually and live out our mission as stewards of creation. Among others
5. As a Laudato Youth Leader, how would you relate your activities in regards to faith and ecology?
Our activities are deeply rooted in our faith and Integral ecology is part of what informs our African interpretation of Laudato Si. Every tree we plant, every plastic bottle we collect, and every awareness session we hold is an act of love for God and His creation. We reflect on Scripture, especially Genesis 2:15, where we are called to “till and keep” the Earth. Faith gives our ecological work meaning, and ecology makes our faith visible through action.
6. Where does your passion to care for creation stem from?
My passion comes from a mix of faith, mentorship, family, and education. I grew up close to nature, but through the Laudato Youth Initiative I was mentored to love it more an put in action what I grew us seeing my parents doing, I came to understand that caring for creation is not just optional—it’s a Christian responsibility. Pope Francis’ message in Laudato Si’ opened my eyes to the moral and spiritual crisis behind environmental destruction. That message continues to inspire and guide me every day.
