When asked about the impact of the festival Ms. Immaculate Kisembo, the programs manager for the Laudato Youth Initiative said the festival helps students understand that caring for creation is not simply an environmental issue but an expression of faith, responsible citizenship, community service, and love of neighbor especially those in need.
The Laudato Youth Initiative (LYI), a faith-inspired youth-led organization in Uganda dedicated to promoting integral ecology through faith-inspired environmental stewardship, nurturing young people in manners, using technology for the good, and advancing research and STEM eco-innovations, marked another milestone on July 11, 2026. Over 2,000 young people gathered at Holy Cross Lake View Senior Secondary School in Jinja for the third annual Laudato Si’ Green Festival (Eastern Region), the country’s leading faith-inspired youth environmental event. The festival is inspired by Pope Francis’ vision of integral ecology and the Catholic Social Teaching on the environment. Read Vatican News Feature Story
The 2026 Eastern Region Laudato Si’ Green Festival was organized in collaboration with its Laudato Si’ Club of Holy Cross Lake View (LSiC-HCLV), with support from several partners, including the Jdiobe STEM Foundation, Congregation of Holy Cross Province of East Africa, John Paul Justice and Peace Center, Holy Cross Family Ministries – Uganda, Bethany Land Institute, Avail Fruits of Faith Farm, Foresters House Consults, Stanbic Bank, and Centenary Bank. The festival attracted students from more than 27 schools, including four Laudato Si’ clubs from Luweero and other regions. The event united educators, Church leaders, government officials, environmental experts, innovators, and community leaders to reinforce a shared commitment to environmental stewardship and to empower young people as responsible leaders.
A Faith-Based Response to Uganda’s Environmental Challenges
Uganda, often referred to as the “Pearl of Africa” for its rich biodiversity, fertile soils, forests, wetlands, and freshwater resources, is increasingly experiencing the adverse effects of climate change. These include prolonged droughts, floods, soil degradation, deforestation, declining biodiversity, and unpredictable rainfall patterns, all of which threaten agriculture, livelihoods, and food security.
According to Uganda’s National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), forest cover has declined significantly in recent decades. Rapid urbanization and inadequate waste management continue to strain natural ecosystems. As agriculture employs the majority of Uganda’s population, climate change is having a direct impact on household incomes, education, public health, and national development.
In this context, the Laudato Si’ Green Festival serves as a vital platform where faith, science, education, and community action converge to promote practical environmental solutions grounded in shared values. This year’s festival was guided by the theme “Environmental Conservation for Peace and Sustainable Development.”
Inspired by Pope Francis’ landmark encyclical Laudato Si’: On Care for Our Common Home, the festival promotes the concept of integral ecology, bringing to light the understanding of the inseparable interconnectedness of the natural world with human, social, economic, and cultural systems while asserting that there is not a separate environmental crisis and social crisis, but rather one complex socio-environmental crisis. Rooted in Catholic Social Teaching, which is famously outlined by Pope Francis in his 2015 encyclical Laudato si’, emphasizing several key dimensions, the Cry of the Earth and the Poor: The degradation of nature and the suffering of the most vulnerable people in society are intimately linked.
Interconnectedness: “Everything is connected”. Economic policies, daily living habits, cultural values, and the natural environment all influence one another.
The Common Good: Solutions require an integrated approach that simultaneously addresses poverty, restores human dignity for peace, and protects nature.
Human Ecology: There can be no true ecological balance without an adequate understanding of the human person, moral law, good manners, and the preservation of human communities and institutions; that’s the reason why the festival focuses on engaging institutions and co-operate partners on care for the environment, peace, concern for the poor, human dignity, and social justice because they are all interconnected.
Participants were also inspired by the witness of St. Adolf Mukasa Ludigho, the patron saint of farmers and hardesmen, who is a model of our nations agricultural econonmy and whose life reminds us that faith and caring for the land are both a vocation and a sacred responsibility, and that Uganda is a nation of God – For God and my Country and so we need to protect it and its people.
A Celebration of Faith, Innovation, and Environmental Action
The Laudato Si’ Green Festival has established itself as one of Uganda’s foremost youth environmental events, combining spiritual reflection and moral formation with practical environmental action.
Encouraging Behavioral Change through Environmental Awareness Campaigns
On the 10th and 11th, the Laudato Si’ Green Festival Club members and the school engaged in Community clean-up exercises and promoted the reduction of single-use plastics in the community of Wanyange, with activities including a community dialogue on managing plastics, family gardens, compound clean-up, and public space clean-up along the roadsides of Musiima.
On July 11th. Throughout the day, participants engaged in activities including:
* The Green Walk for Peace
* Celebration of the Care for Creation Holy Mass
* Guest of Honor Speech – Hon Kasule Lumumba Minister of ICT and National Guidance.
Action Activities
– Memorial Tree planting to promote biodiversity conservation
Youth Activities
– Youth storytelling for integral ecology
– Art, music, drama, and cultural performances promoting environmental responsibility
Exhibitions
* STEM innovations addressing climate change – Jdiobe STEM Foundation
* Environmental leadership mentorship by experts in the knowledge booth
* Sustainable agriculture exhibitions – Bethany Land Institute
* Waste management and recycling demonstrations
* Renewable energy innovations
The festival provides a platform for students to work with experts and showcase innovative projects responding to Uganda’s environmental and social challenges, demonstrating that young people are not merely victims of climate change but active contributors to its solutions.
Launch of the Bishop Charles Martin Wamika Legacy Program
One of the most significant highlights of this year’s festival was the launch of the Late Bishop Charles Martin Wamika Legacy Program, an initiative aimed at promoting good morals and, responsible digital citizenship, with a creative intention of mentoring youth leaders who are digital elites, innovative environmental stewards who seek to use technology for social economic, and spiritual transformation. 
The program will be implemented through the Laudato Si Academies Program, the program seeks to nurture a generation of ethical leaders who combine strong moral character with digital skills, environmental consciousness, and community service.
Central to the program is the inspiring vision of WWW.EMPIISAENUNGI.COM, a campaign inspired by the late Rt: Rev. Charles Martin Wamika, Bishop of Jinja Diocese.
During his memorable 2023 Uganda Martyrs Day homily, Bishop Wamika challenged Uganda’s youth to preserve Empiisa Enungi (good manners) while responsibly embracing modern technology. He urged young people to use digital platforms not simply for entertainment, but as tools for evangelization, education, innovation, and nation-building.
His powerful message continues to resonate:
“The youth of today, you seem more affected by modern life—smartphones and the internet. Empiisa Enungi (good manners) seem to have been thrown overboard… When you grow old, how about creating a website: www.empiisaenungi.com?”
Forming Ethical Digital Citizens
Speaking during the launch, Br. Adolf Mugume, C.S.C, emphasized that Uganda’s future depends on young people who possess both technical competence and moral integrity.
He encouraged youth to harness technology creatively by engaging in activities that build their faith, morals, digital skills, and research capabilities through programs like STEM innovations, building eco-digital businesses; sharing stories of hope; promoting Uganda’s rich cultural and ecological heritage; preserving historical and faith values that promote eco and faith tourism; and building bridges of peace and mental healrth among young people through positive online engagement as digital missionaries of hope for Gods creation.
Referring to the student innovations exhibited during the Green Festival, Br. Mugume challenged participants to use STEM education and innovation to address pressing national challenges, including climate change, mental health, unemployment, poverty, and environmental degradation.
He reminded participants that technological advancement must always uphold human dignity, social responsibility, care for creation, and service to the common good.
A Shared Vision for Uganda’s Future
Guest of Honor, Hon. Kasule Lumumba, the Minister of ICT and National Guidance, applauded the Laudato Youth Initiative for prioritizing the formation of the next generation of tech leaders, solving real-world problems, embedding SDGs and the character formation of the youth, and aligning its goals with Uganda’s digital transformation agenda, which are outlined in the four points:
1. Scaling Digital Skilling Programs: Extend reach to more underserved communities across all districts.
2. Next-Gen Research Labs: Invest in frontier research in quantum computing, ethical AI, and 6G technologies.
3. Public-Private Sector Collaboration: Forge deeper industry ties for co-innovation, certification pathways, and startup incubation.
4. Smart Infrastructure Expansion: Develop green ICT buildings, high-speed broadband labs, and smart classroom networks, all of which emphasize technology use and require a moral component focused on using technology for good.
She commended Holy Cross Lake View and the festival organizers (LYI) for demonstrating that technological progress must be guided by ethical leadership and responsible citizenship to help Uganda achieve sustainable national development, while upholding the legacy of two great people: Pope Leo and Bishop Charles Martin Wamika, who have now gone to the Lord.
Meanwhile, Fr. Caxton Peter Mayanja, C.S.C, reaffirmed the Congregation of Holy Cross’ commitment to holistic education.
He emphasized that authentic education goes beyond academic excellence to form young people who are competent, compassionate, morally grounded, and committed to serving others.
Hon Salamu Musumba
Hon. Salamu Musumba thanked the Laudato Youth Initiative and Holy Cross Lake View for their outstanding work in sensitizing young girls and boys about environmental conservation. She emphasized that children are the future and encouraged everyone to invest in educating and empowering them to protect the environment for generations to come.
Mr. Kahwa Benard, the LYI Executive Director, said
Today, we have gathered not only to celebrate our planet but also to renew our shared commitment to protecting it. The trees around us remind us of the responsibility we all have to care for our environment.
Climate change is an urgent challenge affecting us today and future generations. Every action, whether planting trees, reducing plastic waste, or conserving nature, makes a difference.
We recognize that this mission requires collaboration. I sincerely thank the Honorable Minister for honoring our invitation and all our partners for supporting this festival. Together, we can build a greener and more sustainable Uganda. As our motto reminds us: United for Climate Action.
Ms. Immaculate Kisembo, the Club’s Patron and LYI Programs Manager, said the clubs help students understand that caring for creation is not simply an environmental issue but an expression of faith, responsible citizenship, and love for one’s neighbor.
Lasting Impact
Students who attend the festival report encouraging outcomes: some are conducting research that fosters sustainability, others are entering environmental journalism, and many are developing projects and models that advance environmental sustainability, including the use of AI to address environmental challenges. Numerous schools are establishing environmental and Laudato Si’ clubs, launching tree-planting initiatives, championing sustainable agriculture, promoting environmental research at universities, and implementing waste management projects within their communities.
Beyond these visible achievements lies an even deeper transformation.
Students leave school with a renewed understanding that environmental stewardship, social justice, peace, and human dignity are inseparable. Parents and communities increasingly testify to positive changes in students’ attitudes, discipline, and sense of responsibility, creating ripple effects that extend well beyond the classroom.
Laudato Si Green Festival youth testimonials
Students who visited the Laudato Youth initiative Knowledge booth were asked a few questions; here are their responses.
What is your name? Have you planted a seedling before?
Response 1:
My name is Martha. Yes, I have planted seedlings before because we, as human beings, need clean air to survive, and trees provide us with the oxygen we need.
Response 2:
My name is Daphine. I had never planted a seedling before because I did not fully understand its importance. However, attending this festival has taught me a valuable life lesson. I am now committed to planting trees and caring for them.
What is your Green Legacy?
Response 1:
My Green Legacy is joining the Laudato Si’ Club, planting trees in my community, and visiting national parks to appreciate and protect nature.
Response 2:
My Green Legacy is planting trees and caring for them so they can benefit future generations.
Response 3:
My Green Legacy is learning more about nature and the importance of protecting it. Trees give us the air we breathe, help reduce pollution, and create a healthier environment for everyone.
What is afforestation to you?
Response 1:
Afforestation is the process of turning land that previously had no trees into a forest by planting trees.
Response 2:
To me, Green Legacy means promoting both afforestation and reforestation to restore and protect our environment.
Why is greening Uganda important for the young generation?
Response 1:
Greening Uganda encourages young people to plant trees and protect the ecosystems that sustain our lives and the lives of future generations.
Response 2:
For us as young people, trees give us hope for a brighter future. They help reduce the effects of climate change and give us confidence that we can build a healthier and safer environment.
Response 3:
When Uganda becomes green and clean, it truly reflects its identity as the Pearl of Africa. A healthy environment creates a brighter future for everyone.
Response 4:
Greening Uganda promotes sustainable development through ecotourism. Beautiful landscapes, forests, wildlife, and national parks attract visitors from around the world, creating employment opportunities for young people, reducing poverty, and protecting our natural heritage.
Response 5:
As a student, I find that greening Uganda helps me put classroom knowledge into practice through the Laudato Si’ Club’s activities. Working together on environmental projects reduces stress, strengthens teamwork, improves our mental well-being, and deepens our appreciation of nature.
Response 6:
Nature walks help us identify different plant species and better retain what we learn in class because we can observe, touch, and experience nature firsthand.
Response 7:
Spending time in nature allows us to enjoy fresh air, observe birds and wildlife, and appreciate the beauty of our environment.
Response 8:
Protecting the environment makes Uganda safer for both present and future generations. It safeguards plants, animals, and people while empowering young people to become responsible stewards of the environment and to work together to address climate change and reduce the risks associated with rising temperatures.
Looking Ahead
The Laudato Youth Initiative envisions ecological education becoming an integral part of Catholic education, and indeed all education, throughout Uganda. Future plans include expanding Laudato Si’ Clubs, strengthening regional Green Festivals at the national level, deepening partnerships with dioceses, schools, religious congregations, government institutions, civil society organizations, and development partners, and providing practical leadership training for young environmental ambassadors with capacity-building programs in our Laudato Si Academies that will enhance innovations and research for sustainability.
The long-term goal is clear: to nurture a generation of ethical leaders who understand that protecting creation goes hand in hand with promoting peace, justice, innovation, and human dignity.
As Pope Francis reminds us in Laudato Si’, “Everything is connected.”
By investing in Uganda’s youth today, our Laudato Si’ Green Festival program is helping build a future where faith inspires action, technology serves humanity, and environmental stewardship becomes a way of life. In caring for our common home, Uganda’s young people are not only protecting the environment but also shaping a more just, peaceful, and sustainable nation for generations to come, united for climate action.
Vatican News Interview with Fr. Peter Caxton Mayanja, CSC about the festival starting at minite 15
