FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Rev Fr. Paul Mugabyomu, Diocesan Youth Chaplain
0781592106/0701686954: mugabyomupaul@gmail.com
Mr Benard Kahwa, Executive Director LYI: 0702163596/0781996608
laudatoyouthinitiative@gmail.com | info@laudato-youthinitiative.org
Fort Portal Diocese to Host its Inaugural Laudato Si’ Green Festival
The Laudato Youth Initiative (LYI), in collaboration with the Youth Apostolate of Fort Portal Diocese, is pleased to announce the inaugural Western Region Laudato Si’ Green Festival (LSiGF), scheduled for 10th October, 2026 at Holy Cross Novitiate, Lake Saaka, Fort Portal City.
Pope Francis in (cf. Laudato si’ n. 2) reminds us that it is evident that the work of creation is seriously threatened because of the irresponsible use and abuse of the goods God has endowed to our care. The festival will therefore be held under the theme: “Environmental Conservation for Peace and Sustainable Development.” as motivation to direct our concern for the environment, into practical action towards conserving the environment and create solutions for sustainable livelihoods.
This faith inspired Festival will unite young people in our Laudato Si Clubs in; schools, parishes, and communities in the dioceses of Fort portal in a faith inspired environmental festival calling upon individuals, environmental organizations, government leaders, civil society, the media, and all people of goodwill to promote a shared commitment to the care of our common home in the spirit of Laudato Si’ a faith inspired and social encyclical by Pope Francis that inspired our mission of forming environmental conscious citizens through Laudato Si clubs uniting for climate action in the fight against Climate Change and social challenges like poverty.
Preparations for the festival are already underway following the inauguration of the organizing committee, comprising representatives of the Laudato Youth Initiative, the Youth Apostolate of Fort Portal Diocese, some patrons of our Laudato Si’ Clubs in the diocese, school leaders, religious leaders, and other stakeholders committed to faith-inspired environmental stewardship.
The inaugural festival in the region will bring together Laudato Si’ Clubs from across the diocese, including the animating school St. Maria Goretti Girls Secondary School, in collaboration with the Laudato Si clubs of Nyakasura School, Divine Mercy SS, Fort Portal Diocese, Ave Maria SS, Buhemba Primary School, Mountains of the Moon University, Moreau Primary School, St. Adolf Holy Cross Parish Kanyabachope, St. Padre Pio Nyahuka, St. John Mary Vianney SSS, St. Mary’s Minor Seminary Virika, St. Leo’s College Kyegobe, and St. Joseph’s Hill SSS.
The festival will celebrate environmental initiatives undertaken by these clubs and provide a platform for prayer, ecological education, dialogue, networking, and the sharing of practical solutions for sustainable livelihoods. It will also offer an opportunity to pray for communities affected by natural calamities and the effects of climate change, while promoting conversations on faith-inspired tourism and the heritage of the Uganda Martyrs, including St. Adolf Tibeyalirwa Ludigo.
A series of pre-festival activities will include community clean-up exercises, radio programs, environmental awareness campaigns, and school and community sensitization activities, with the aim of mobilizing Fort Portal City and surrounding communities to become greener and cleaner. The main festival will feature a
- Green March through Fort Portal City
- A Care for Creation Mass. The Holy Mass will be presided over by the Most Rev. Robert Muhiirwa Akiiki, Bishop of Fort Portal Diocese. St. Maria Goretti Girls Secondary School will lead the liturgical animation and choir, with participation from Nyakasura School, St. Mary’s Minor Seminary, Divine Mercy SSS, and Moreau Primary School.
- Special Message from the Bishop and a Speech from the Guest of Honor
- Student presentations, including poetry, music, dance and drama, will be led by Ave Maria Secondary School.
- Eco-exhibitions, student creative presentations, and opportunities for networking and knowledge sharing.
Read about our previous festival in Eastern Region
The festival will also commemorate events of the Season of Creation and the 800th anniversary of the death of St. Francis of Assisi, whose life continues to inspire the Church’s call to care for creation. The organizing committee warmly invites corporate partners, government leaders, schools, religious institutions, civil society organizations, environmental organizations, the media, private sector actors, and all people of goodwill to participate in and support this historic initiative. Join us on this journey of faith inspired ecological conversion and take concrete action to protect our common home, promote peace, and build a cleaner, greener and more sustainable future for generations to come. For further information, partnership opportunities and participation: ref to the contacts and in the press release.
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