By Fred Ayebale | Laudato Youth Initiative Media | September 27, 2025. – Nyakasura School’s Laudato Si Club Nature Walk, National Tourism Day 2025
On this year’s National Tourism Day, the Laudato Si Club of Nyakasura School took to the lush trails of the Rwenzori Mountains National Park, embarking on a deeply reflective and purposeful Green Walk to Karangura Peak. With the theme “Sowing Seeds of Peace and Care for Creation,” the event wasn’t just a hike, it was a call to action, a spiritual and ecological journey into the heart of one of Uganda’s most vital ecosystems.
A Sacred Journey Through Nature
The nature walk led students, staff, and attended by fortportal diocese youth leaders, our Laudato Youth Initiative Media lead Mr. Fred Ayebale through some of the most ecologically important areas of our region; the Tropical Rainforest of Mt. Rwenzori, the source of River Mpanga, and the surrounding Karangura Peak. These areas are not only breathtaking in beauty but are also crucial water catchment zones, serving both biodiversity and human communities.
The Rwenzori Mountain Forests, sometimes called the “Mountains of the Moon”, are a key source of rivers and streams that feed into larger systems, including the vital River Mpanga. This river is a lifeline for agriculture, domestic use, and hydroelectric power in Fort Portal and surrounding districts.
Why River Mpanga and Wetlands Matter
As emphasized in the Save River Mpanga campaign, the river is under severe threat from pollution, deforestation, and wetland encroachment. The surrounding wetlands act as natural water filters, flood control systems, and habitats for countless species. Without these ecosystems, the water security of thousands is at risk.
That’s why this walk was not just symbolic, it was educational and transformational. Our students reflected on the interconnectedness of all life and the urgent need to protect our wetlands and natural water sources.
Gratitude for Making it Happen
This successful event would not have been possible without the support of many dedicated individuals and organizations:
• The Nyakasura School Headteacher, for graciously allowing our club leaders to organize this Green Walk during a busy academic term.
• Our NRDI partners (Natural Resources Defense Initiative) who have always supported this club from the time of its opening, for providing special shirts printed with the powerful message: “Protect Wetlands”.
• Parents, who supported our students wholeheartedly.
• Fort Portal Diocese Youth Office, through the Chaplain Fr. Paul Mugabyomu, Mr. Kasagama Araali etc for their active participation and encouragement.
• The entire Laudato Si Club at Nyakasura School, passionately led by their patron Mr. Daniel Rusahura, and supported by Laudato Youth Media, led by Fred Ayebale.
• And above all, God Almighty, for the gift of nature, strength, and unity.
Lessons That Will Last a Lifetime
Since 2022 since this club opened much has been done and Today a lot was learned along the trail. From understanding the ecological importance of the Rwenzori ecosystem to the spiritual value of walking in harmony with nature, our students were deeply moved. This was more than an outdoor experience it was a seed-planting mission. We trust that the values sown today will grow into a lifelong commitment to environmental stewardship.
As Laudato Si’ reminds us:
“Nature cannot be regarded as something separate from ourselves or as a mere setting in which we live. We are part of nature.” — Pope Francis
The Journey Continues…
Let this walk be just the beginning. As Pilgrims of Green Hope, we will continue to raise our voices for creation, educate our peers, and advocate for policies that protect our wetlands, rivers, and forests. Because when we walk for nature, we walk for life.
