LYI Advances Ugandan Laudato Si Green Festival for Sustainable Development and Ecological Recovery

Laudato Voices | Laudato Si Green Festival | April 7, 2026

Within Uganda’s growing network of Catholic youth-led climate action efforts, the Laudato Youth Initiative has emerged as a powerful force for integral ecology, ecological education, and environmental stewardship, imitating the example of the Uganda Martyrs by implementing Laudato Si in many activities, particularly through its flagship Laudato Si Green Festival program. Inspired by Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si’, the festival brings together schools, churches, universities, dioceses, civil society organizations, and local communities to promote what the Catholic Church teaches on “integral ecology”, the understanding that both the environment and people are interconnected, and the understanding that care for the environment, human dignity with preference to the unserderved in communities, faith, and social justice are deeply interconnected. As institutions are seen as family units that can be used to inculcate values in their academic programs and to take advantage of opportunities for innovation, research, and hands-on models to creatively develop solutions to the ecological crisis.

The initiative also brings to play an important core value, faith, and moral formation through its spiritual program, ingrained in the festival, involving the care for creation Mass.

This year’s initiative, the third Eastern Region Festival, is expected to unite more than 30 institutions and engage over 1,700 learners with experts in integral ecology, STEM education for scientific innovation, climate education, leadership mentorship, and community action. Through the network of Laudato Si Clubs established in schools and communities, students will participate in tree-planting campaigns, ecological exhibitions, climate debates, clean-up exercises, sustainable agriculture projects, recycling initiatives, and awareness walks, all designed to inspire long-term environmental responsibility.

A defining feature of the Green Festival is its ability to bridge faith, education, and practical climate action. Events such as the “Green Walk,” eco-exhibitions, Care for Creation Masses, and innovation showcases encourage young people to see environmental protection not only as a scientific or political issue, but also as a moral and spiritual responsibility. The program especially emphasizes mentorship, intergenerational dialogue, and African-rooted ecological values while aligning with global sustainability goals such as SDG 13 on Climate Action.

The festival has also become a national platform for collaboration. Participating institutions share climate solutions ranging from plastic recycling and solar energy innovation to organic farming and biodiversity conservation. According to the initiative programs manager, the program aims to expand Laudato Si Clubs throughout Uganda to strengthen climate literacy, ecological citizenship, and youth leadership for environmental resilience.