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Laudato Youth Initiative will Launch its Laudato Si’ Green Festival Program in Fort Portal Diocese during the Jubilee Year of Saint Francis of Assisi

FORT PORTAL, UGANDA – The Laudato Youth Initiative (LYI), in collaboration with the Youth Apostolate of Fort Portal Diocese, proudly announces the inaugural Western Region Laudato Si’ Green Festival. The event will take place on 10 October 2026 at the Holy Cross Novitiate, Lake Saaka, Fort Portal and will be themed “Environmental Conservation for Peace and Sustainable Development.”

Bringing together youth, faith leaders, and environmental advocates, the festival aims to inspire climate action and ecological stewardship across Uganda’s Western Region. Over 15 Laudato Si’ Clubs from schools, parishes, and universities will unite in a shared call for sustainable development.

Mr. Benard Kahwa, Executive Director of the Laudato Youth Initiative, highlighted that, “Environmental conservation is inseparable from peace and sustainable development. By empowering youth, we foster a new generation of environmental stewards and positive change-makers.”

Inspired by Pope Francis’ Laudato Si’, the festival will feature prayer, creative arts, community clean-up campaigns, and mentorship in faith and ecological values. The event will also honor the ecological legacy of the Uganda Martyrs and the jubilee year of Saint Francis of Assisi.

“Our goal is to nurture environmentally conscious citizens and unite people of goodwill for collective climate action,” said Rev. Fr. Paul Mugabyomu, Diocesan Youth Chaplain. Activities of the festival include

1. Pre-festival restoration activities in Fort Portal City. There will also be a memorial tree-planting exercise aimed at combating the effects of climate change and reforestation in memory of the fallen King of Tooro, Oyo Nyimba Kamba Iguru IV and much more.

2. Mass of the Care for Creation at HC Novitiate Lake Saaka led by Rt. Rev. Bishop Robert Muhiirwa Akiiki,

3. Guest of Honor to inspire young people on eco-culture and eco-tourism for Peace and sustainability;

4. Eco-exhibitions; (STEM Innovations)

Preparation for the Inaugural Laudato Si’ Green Festival

Festival Activities and Participation

For media inquiries, please contact: Mr. Benard Kahwa, Executive Director, LYI: 0702163596/0781996608

laudatoyouthinitiative@gmail.com | info@laudato-youthinitiative.org

Rev. Fr. Paul Mugabyomu, Diocesan Youth Chaplain

0781592106/0701686954: mugabyomupaul@gmail.com