Held at Holy Cross Novitiate Saaka in Fort Portal City under the theme “Environmental Conservation for Peace and Sustainable Development,” the festival brought together students from schools, seminaries, and Universities around fort portal.

The Mass was colorfully animated by St. Maria Goretti Girls School and St. Mary’s Minor Seminary with Nyakasura School Laudato Si Club taking an active role in the presentation of the gifts.

During the Mass, Bishop Robert K. Muhiirwa the ordinary of Fort-prtal Diocese warned that deforestation and environmental destruction can lead to floods, droughts, and hunger. He urged participants to plant trees and adopt responsible practices.

Hon. Linda Irene Mugisa the Woman Member of Parliament for Fort Portal City represented the guest of honor, Hon. Tom Butime. She encouraged young people to continue inspiring their communities through environmental conservation.

Caroline Kiwala Tahir, the assistant resident district commissioner of Iganga District, was also present at the event to represent the family of the late Bishop Martin Wamika, continuing his ecological legacy and celebrating the www.empiisa.com program promoted by the Laudato Youth Initiative. She actively participated in the tree-planting exercise with bishop Robert Muhiirwa Akiiki to raise awareness of the need to carry on a legacy through action.

Present at the event were several priests and religious, as well as seminarians from St. Mary’s Minor Seminary and seminarians and deacons from Kinyamasika Major Seminary in Fort Portal.