Mother’s Day - Caring for Mother Earth with Busoga Catholics in Kampala (BUCAKA) Youth, Mothers and Community | Laudato Youth Initiative

Laudato Voices | Mothers Day with BUCAKA | May, 10, 2026

Our Laudato Youth Initiative Clubs President, Ms. Sarah Kirikumwino, and Programs Manager, Ms. Immaculate Kisembo, on 10th May, 2026, united in prayer and action with the Busoga Catholics community in Kampala (BUCAKA), sharing their passion for environmental stewardship and climate action. Reflecting on the theme: Growing Green: Protecting Nature and Creating Better Lives.

Rev. Fr. Kayaga Richard, Director of the Cultural Research Center (CRC), Jinja Diocese, leads the Mass at a gathering of the Busoga Catholic Community in Kampala to share about reflect on Laudato Si and Celebrate Mothers Day.

The event began with Mass, led by Rev. Fr. Kayaga Richard, Director of the Cultural Research Center (CRC), Jinja Diocese, who reminded participants that we are all stewards of the earth and have a collective responsibility to care for our common home.

Laudato Youth Initiative Clubs President, Ms. Sarah Kirikumwino, and Programs Manager, Ms. Immaculate Kisembo, guest presenters the monthly reflection gathering of the Busoga Catholics in Kampala (BUCAKA), sharing their passion for environmental stewardship and climate action.

After Mass, there was a session where our Laudato Si Clubs’ President, Sarah, encouraged all members, especially the youth, to engage in sustainable agriculture, participate in school environmental initiatives, embrace green entrepreneurship, adopt sustainable eating habits, innovate, save energy, and volunteer for climate action. She called on parents to mentor their children in these efforts, referencing Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si, which urges us to care for the earth as our shared home.

Ms. Immaculate Kisembo, the Programs Manager and Club Patron of the Laudato Si Club of Holy Cross Lake View S.S.S., introduced members to the upcoming Laudato Si Green Festival in Jinja (July 11, 2026) and invited all members to participate.

*Ms. Immaculate Kisembo, shares an invitation to the youth leader for the upcoming Laudato Si Green Festival in Jinja (July 11, 2026) where all were invited to participate.*

Several youth shared inspiring testimonies about how the Laudato Youth Initiative’s Laudato Si clubs have motivated them to embrace sustainable agriculture and take meaningful steps toward climate action.
Community elders expressed their gratitude for inspiring the next generation to lead on climate action.

*The Faithful attending Mass by Rev. Fr. Kayaga Richard, at St. Augustine Chapel – Nsambya Kampala*

As one young participant said, “I have been taking agriculture for granted, but from now on I will embrace it.”

During discussions, youth highlighted school initiatives such as the adoption of paper bags and the use of biogas for cooking. Elders shared success stories of using locally made fertilizers from waste, which have led to flourishing gardens and farms.

*Members exchange ideas after receiving trees to carry home. Intergenerational Dialogue is a key in Youth formation and mentorship*

Sr. Dhabikoba Rose, Little sister of St. Francis, encouraged everyone to reflect on traditional practices, advocating for a return to sustainable living and reduced reliance on chemicals in agriculture.

It is undeniable that women religious play a fundamental and transformative role in caring for Mother Earth. A true Franciscan, Sr. Dhabikoba Rose, Little sister of St. Francis distributes trees on Mothers Day.

After the presentations, all participants received indigenous and fruit trees to go and plant at home. Urban forestry is possible, even starting with small actions like taking trees home to plant.

Tree planting is a good way to celebrate life. ms. Sarah reminded participants to plant more trees in honor of Mama Kalule’s birthday, and Proscovia Salaamu Musumba thanked participants for always endeavoring to unite and pray as a faith community, encouraging the young people to be vigilant with the values they are taught and mentored in.