A story of how a Religious Brother in Uganda has Mentored young people in Charity to care for our common home. Looking back on a decade since Laudato Si’ was released, Laudato Youth see Pope Francis’ message as more than an ecological teaching but a call to life-changing action that brings together faith, culture, ecological science, and justice ecological for future generations to thrive in a morally, sustainable society built by them.
We cant keep complaining about Climate Change we need to "Unit for Climate Action" he said.
Young people must be protagonists of their own story, leading with action rather than blame. In a world increasingly affected by climate anxiety and uncertainty, LYI promotes a culture of constructive response, forming “action-oriented youth” who transform concern into meaningful environmental stewardship, rather than being overwhelmed by fear or inaction. Our role is to walk alongside young people, helping them discover and harness their potential as key agents in addressing the ecological crisis. We promote the values of integral ecology, teamwork, research, and personal conversion, enabling the development of locally driven solutions that support sustainable family livelihoods and responsible care for what already exists in creation. Rooted in Uganda’s fertile landscapes and rich spiritual heritage, we draw inspiration from the witness of St. Adolf, patron of herdsmen and farmers who safeguarded faith and ecological values, as well as from the message of Laudato Si’. These sources of wisdom guide our commitment to nurturing hope, resilience, and sustainable living for present and future generations.
Brother Adolf Mugume, C.S.C., talked to Vatican Radio about the initiative’s efforts in translating Pope Francis’ call into concrete action emulating the example of the Uganda Martyr St. Adolf. Under his mentorship, LYI has mentored youth to embody the principles of Laudato Si’ integrating faith, culture, science, and local community values into climate action and his role in mobilizing and mentoring youth leaders who see integral ecology as a value and a path to nurturing moral values and living their as a faith responsibility that fosters caring for creation as an expression of love for God and neighbour to build a kingdom of justice and peace from our grassroots communities and institutions.
Mission Statement – Laudato Youth Initiative (LYI)
Laudato Youth Initiative (LYI) mobilizes young people and communities to take practical action and develop sustainable solutions to climate change, forming a generation of environmentally responsible citizens grounded in integral ecology and scientific approaches to stewardship. Guided by Laudato Si’ and rooted in Ugandan cultural, religious, and indigenous wisdom, LYI integrates Catholic Social Teaching into its work.
Through the formation of Laudato Si’ Clubs, tree planting, promotion of sustainable agricultural models, civic education, mentorship of youth leaders, and media engagement, LYI advances environmental conservation, uniting many for climate action, and sustainable development for a better resilient future.
Vision Statement – Laudato Youth Initiative (LYI)
To foster thriving, integral communities grounded in faith-based sustainability, where young people are empowered to lead a just and resilient future, caring for our common home, advancing climate action, and living out the values of Laudato Si’ through faith, science, and indigenous wisdom as did the Uganda Martyrs.
Sustainability
Laudato Youth Initiative (LYI) is committed to advancing long-term environmental and social sustainability by empowering young people and communities to implement practical, locally grounded solutions to climate change. Guided by Laudato Si’ and Catholic Social Teaching, LYI integrates faith, science, and indigenous knowledge to promote integral ecology and responsible stewardship of our common home.
Through the establishment of Laudato Si’ Clubs, sustainable agricultural models, tree planting initiatives, youth leadership and mentorship in climate education embedded within existing institutional and Church structures, LYI ensures continuity and scalable impact. By leveraging digital media for documentation and storytelling, the Initiative strengthens ecological awareness, builds sustainable communities, and advances, youth-led talent development that safeguards the environment for present and future generations.
Kahwa Benard
Executive Director
Kisembo Immaculate
Programs Manager
Sarah Kirikuwino
Laudato Si Clubs President
For any Clubs they have
Club Chaplains
Br. Adolf Mugume, CSC
LYI - Mentor
LYI brings a new
African-engrained Perspective
with the formation of Laudato Si’ Clubs where Faith Meets Action. To operationalize its vision, Laudato youth leaders form and mentor Laudato Si’ Clubs across Uganda — in schools, parishes, dioceses, universities, and local communities as their implementation arm.
Laudato Youth Initiative Modeling practical solutions for climate conservation.
LSAP 2025 Annual report highlighted the Laudato Youth Initiative
Youth who heard the cry of the Earth
In Uganda, a network of students are proving that leadership doesn’t require a large office—just conviction and creativity. From a one-room base in Kampala, they ’ve mobilized thousands of students and parish volunteers to plant over one million trees,
establish Laudato Si’ Clubs, and pioneer eco-innovation across East Africa, from solar technology to community storytelling.
Read their full story
Uniting for Climate Action is the Answer. Sustainability is the Message.
Adaptability is the Path Forward.
The Laudato Youth Initiative (LYI) is dedicated to empowering young people to forge a climate-resilient future. We believe that by uniting our efforts in our Laudato Si Clubs in schools, Universities, Dioceses, and communities, we can model the way toward effective climate action and create meaningful responses to the challenges posed by climate change. Join us in this vital mission.
How We Do It
Impact and Reach:
Our history
Why Young People?
Laudato Youth Initiative Today
Laudato Youth Initiative aims to mentor a climate-resilient generation that will transform society. We create a synergy between Catholic Church teachings on care for creation (including Laudato Si and Laudate Deum), Ugandan environmental laws, and work towards the achievement of the SDGs.
Launched in 2020 as a religious youth led initiative under the mentorship of Br. Adolf Mugume, C.S.C during the pandemic, and now led and managed by the youth themselves we have rapidly expanded our impact in Uganda and across the three East African countries, engaging numerous schools, universities, parishes, and communities. To date, over 10,000 young people have participated in our programs.
Media Impact
Our story has garnered international attention for its impactful initiatives:
The Tablet (Nov 29, 2024) Featured the Laudato Youth Initiative and our unique African perspective on the climate crisis.
Titled: The Laudato Youth Initiative brings a new African-engrained perspective
The international response to the climate crisis needs to bridge the gap between Cop summits and the experience of those who face its consequences. It must ignite hope for a climate-resilient generation – Br. Adolf Mugume (Mentor LYI) Read the article here (https://www.thetablet.co.uk/inspire/stewards-of-the-future/).
- John Paul II Justice and Peace Centre (Dec 4, 2024): Highlighted our collaboration with local youth to promote environmental awareness through nature walks. Read more (https://jp2jpc.org/jpiijpc-and-laudato-youth-initiative-promote-environmental-awareness/).
- Jubilee Radio (Jan 20, 2025): We pioneered sharing the good news of the Jubilee Year, the 10th anniversary of Laudato Si, and shared our Theme “Pilgrims of Green Hope,” but also discussed the connection between the Jubilee Year and sustainable living, addressing environmental issues exacerbated by human activities.
While the jubilee year is one of the opportunities for us to renew our commitment and care for creation, human activities are exacerbating climate change. The destruction of wetlands and poor drainage channeling contributes a lot to flooding in most parts of the Country, while poor garbage disposal is also on the rise. When it rains, many urban dwellers release their waste into runoff water (especially in plastic bags). Much of it ends up blocking the already overwhelmed channels. The persistent droughts are a result of tampering with biodiversity and other toxic human activities. Listen here (https://youtu.be/S0j7R-k6nyM?si=iQ4_r6jM0Chaj6LQ).
- Laudato Si’ Action Platform (March 20, 2024): The Laudato Si’ Action Platform is an initiative of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, which was established by Motu Proprio by Pope Francis in 2016. Reflected on how the Laudato Youth Initiative is responding to Laudato Si with tangible solutions across Uganda. Featured a story titled: How a Ugandan Catholic Youth-Led Initiative is Responding to Laudato Si. Across Uganda, young people are leading the charge in climate action, blending faith with tangible solutions. From schools and universities to dioceses, these youth are pioneering sustainability projects that extend beyond borders, now reaching Kenya and Tanzania. At the heart of this effort is the Laudato Youth Initiative (LYI), a dynamic force housed at the John Paul II Justice and Peace Centre in Uganda’s capital, Kampala. Though operating from a modest one-room office, LYI coordinates a vast network of passionate young leaders committed to ecological transformation. They Reported “True Change comes from within the community,” – Said Br. Adolf By involving local churches, leaders, and families, we ensure our initiatives are more than just temporary interventions – they become part of the Community’s way of life. Read the full article (https://laudatosiactionplatform.org/how-a-ugandan-catholic-youth-led-initiative-is-responding-to-laudato-si/).
- Vatican News (March 30, 2025): Vatican Radio Hosted the Laudato Youth Initiative Mentor to Reflect on the 10th Anniversary of Laudato Si.
- Laudato Si is the first papal encyclical dedicated entirely to environmental care. It calls for an “integral ecology” that respects human dignity and the natural world. The encyclical connects environmental issues to economic inequality, social injustice, and spiritual emptiness, calling for a global response that involves political reform, ethical reflection, and lifestyle transformation. In his message, our mentor highlighted how this papal document significantly influenced the UN Climate Summit (COP21) in Paris in 2015, shaping global conversations leading up to the summit. Global faith leaders, including Catholic bishops and interfaith networks, advocated for strong climate action at COP21, using the document as a foundation for their efforts. The Laudato Youth Initiative has also reflected on the outcomes of COP summits, with last year’s Cop 29 reflection in the Tablet Magazine publishing a story titled “Stewards of the Future” Highlighting its message clearly that the international response to the climate crisis needs to bridge the gap between Cop summits and the experience of those who face its consequences. It must ignite hope for a climate-resilient generation.
Uniting Youth for Climate Action
Our activities and programs focus on responding to climate change through clubs in schools, universities and dioceses. Our main activities are tree planting & green zone creation, climate education, Laudato Si training/seminars, and sustainable environmental projects.
The growing concern about the ecological crisis prompted the Laudato youth initiative. We were quite sad to witness several environmental abuses in our communities during the 2020 Covid-19 lockdown. The changing weather patterns have intensified the sadness and concern due to the increased frequency of extreme weather events like drought, floods, mudslides, social and economic impacts that make communities vulnerable.
Planting More Trees
We Love & Care for Creation
Laudato Youth Initiative: Empowering Young Minds for a Greener, Sustainable Future
Green. That’s how we’d like the world to be.
Young people should be given an opportunity to develop the knowledge and skills they need to build a sustainable future. Laudato Youth Initiative Unites, Inspires Action, Empowers, Fosters Mindset Change and builds the capacity of the youth to work with elders and address climate change for a better future.
You Must Be the Change You Wish to See in the World and More
Who is Laudato Youth Initiative?
Laudato Youth Initiative (LYI) is a non-profit Youth led organization based in Uganda that promotes climate through uniquely societal tailored conservational programmes. Laudato Youth Initiative was born out of the realization that young people can play a big role in solving the growing concern of climate change impact that has become a big threat to livelihood and sustainability of communities in Uganda.
Where are you located?
Laudato Youth Initiative is located in St John Paul II Justice and Peace Centre building on Nsereko Road Nsambya, Kampala-Uganda.
Where does Laudato Youth Initiative operate
Laudato Youth Initiative operates in East Africa covering Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania
How are they different from Laudato Si Movement
Laudato Youth Initiative is focuses mainly on young people whom we mobilize to take action in solving climate issues.
How can get involved?
We work with anyone who has passion for conserving environment. We believe in united actions. We welcome people of all categories who have passion for environment.
Laudato Youth Initiative Club of Nyakasura
Dear humanity
Where has our integrity gone?
We’ve traded it away for the insatiable greed of quantity,
Forgetting the essence of quality.
Look around—what have we done?
We’ve sacrificed our dignity,
All for a mentality that has become our harsh reality.
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