Uganda stands at a critical environmental crossroads, one marked by climate threats that demand urgent, coordinated, and locally grounded solutions. At the heart of this transformation is a growing initiative led by young people who are stepping up with conviction and commitment. Through the Laudato Youth Initiative, many young leaders are inspiring action via their Laudato Si’ Clubs institution that merge faith-based environmental stewardship, scientific innovation, advocacy, and grassroots mobilization.

From organizing Laudato Si’ Green Festivals across Uganda’s regions to spearheading community reforestation efforts and institutional and communityl-based environmental action activities and campaigns, the youth are not waiting for change, they are actively driving it.

Young Ugandans are increasingly applying scientific knowledge and technological tools to tackle climate challenges facing their communities. The Laudato Youth Initiative has tapped into this talent. They are innovating around clean energy, climate-smart agriculture, and sustainable waste management, thereby bridging the gap between research and tangible impact.

In Fort Portal, for instance, Laudato Youth have initiated climate-smart agriculture programs through local Laudato Si’ Clubs, training smallholder farmers in St. Adolf Parish to adopt organic fertilizers, plant drought-resistant crops, and implement water-saving irrigation techniques. These programs have not only strengthened food security but also enhanced climate resilience among vulnerable households. They also run sanitation campaigns in Small Christian Communities to address public health risks linked to poor waste disposal.

Meanwhile, in Kampala and Jinja, Laudato Youth are engaging policymakers through environmental dialogues on media, pushing for the enforcement of environmental laws, including the ban on single-use plastics. Their advocacy underscores a critical truth: climate change is not only a scientific concern, but also a moral, social, and spiritual issue that requires youth-centered and community-rooted solutions as a sustainable approach.

We also believe that our government could play a transformative role by establishing guidelines for property owners on environmental care. Imagine if every landowner was required to plant trees, maintain green lawns, manage waste, and eliminate plastic pollution within their premises. The cumulative impact would reduce the burden on municipal council and city authorities and foster a nationwide culture of environmental responsibility.

Let us not go so far. In Rwanda for instance, this model has been successfully implemented through national clean-up days (Umuganda), where communities take collective responsibility for their environments. Uganda can adopt a similar model, led by government, supported by institutions, and powered by youth.

The Laudato Youth Initiative is a compelling example of how faith and ecology can intersect to inspire a new generation of environmental leaders. Rooted in Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si’, young people across Uganda are redefining creation care as a spiritual mandate, not merely an environmental task.

In communities throughout the country, our Laudato Si’ Clubs are active in schools, universities, parishes, dioceses and Communities. Students organize pilgrimage walks to reflect on the environmental harm caused by human activity and to celebrate those working to restore the Earth. The Initiative has also launched a One Million Tree Campaign, emphasizing fruit-bearing and indigenous tree species to support both livelihoods and biodiversity.

These activities  from environmental education forums to school greening activities aim to foster ecological conversion, helping individuals and families understand that caring for creation is a moral responsibility embedded in our faith and needs everyones effort.

The Laudato Si’ Green Festivals held in Uganda’s Central, Northern, Eastern, and Western regions have become powerful platforms for mobilizing youth and communities. These festivals bring together students, church leaders, civil society, and local governments to showcase progress, celebrate environmental champions, and amplify the message: the time for action is now.

Yet, a significant gap remains between grassroots efforts and national support. Many Ugandans still view climate action as a task mandated by authorities, rather than a personal or communal responsibility. Others seek short-term incentives before participating. However, we must shift this mindset and Laudatoi Youth are determined to inspire and lead the way. You do not need to be rich to add value to your country you only have to be charitable and open to serve your nation with out expecting material gain. Yes resources will be needed but we can begining doing what is within our means to navigate the storm with solutions with in our means by coming together to be the hope, united than ever before.

 

Bold and ambicious actions are needed. Caring for the environment is not an expense, it is an investment in the future.

We are enjoying the benefits of the forests, clean rivers, and fertile soils safeguarded by our grandparents. What legacy will we leave for our children?

Youth-led initiatives cannot succeed in isolation. We need an enabling environment that supports, scales, and sustains our efforts. The Government of Uganda must take decisive steps to build climate resilience, including:

At the global level, we call for increased international accountability. Uganda contributes minimally to global carbon emissions, yet faces disproportionate climate impacts. International institutions must commit not only to mitigation, but also to adaptation, and support just transitions grounded in science, equity, and justice.

Climate meetings must move beyond words,  we must design actions that are SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) and in line with the church’s emerging MAST framework.

At the Vatican Climate Resilience Summit held in Nairobi, a transformative approach was proposed: MAST – Mitigation, Adaptation, Societal Transformation.

This model emphasizes:

• Mitigation: Reducing emissions and halting deforestation

• Adaptation: Strengthening local capacity to cope with climate shocks

• Societal Transformation: Changing values, systems, and lifestyles

Youth must be at the center of this transformation. From organised groups like our inititutional and c ommunity Laudato Si clubs to city councils, from faith groups to environmental NGOs, we must recognize that young people are not the leaders of tomorrow they are already leading today. And they know that; they are the elders of the next generation.

To scale our impact, recognition is not enough, we need partnerships. Here’s how you can support:

• Schools, churches, businesses, and organizations: Sign a statement of commitment to support our Laudato Youth Initiative-led environmental action.

• Join our “Keep the Pearl of Africa” campaign by sharing what your institution, family, or organization is doing to preserve Uganda’s natural heritage. Comment below this article or email us at laudatoyouthinitiative@gmail.com

• Read the Laudato Si’ encyclical, and tell us how your organization is living it out. You may be featured in our End-of-Year Laudato Si’ Champions Recognition, where we honor individuals and organizations making a difference in standing with young people to combat Climate Change and work towards a greater pearl of Africa. The home of St. Adolf Patron Saint of Ecology and Herdsmen, the St. Francis of Uganda.

The Youth Are the Pathway. The message is clear: young people are vital to building resilient communities and shaping climate solutions that are just, inclusive, and lasting. In Uganda, the youth are already leading, not with empty words, but with meaningful, measurable action. Let us not fail them. Let us stand with them. Let us invest in a future where creation sings again, because the voices of Uganda’s youth are already singing. My Environment, My Responsibility.