Agric. & Environment
Forbes honours 21-year-old Ugandan for climate change activism
At only 21 years old, the Ugandan climate activist has earned a place among Africa's most influential young changemakers after being named to the prestigious Forbes Africa Under 30 Class of 2026.
At only 21 years old, Denise Ayebare, the Ugandan climate activist has earned a place among Africa's most influential young changemakers after being named to the prestigious Forbes Africa Under 30 Class of 2026. (Courtesy photo)
By: Nelson Kiva, Journalist @New Vision
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When Denise Ayebare speaks about climate change, she does so not as a detached spectator of a global crisis but as a young African determined to influence its outcome.
At only 21 years old, the Ugandan climate activist has earned a place among Africa's most influential young changemakers after being named to the prestigious Forbes Africa Under 30 Class of 2026.
The recognition places her alongside a select group of young innovators, entrepreneurs and leaders whose work is helping shape the continent's future.
For Ayebare, however, the accolade is more than a personal achievement. It is a validation of a cause she has championed for years, ensuring that young people have a seat at the table where decisions about the planet's future are made.
One of her famous quotes is: "Climate change is not a distant threat for Africa. It is happening now, and young people are among those most affected.”
Her journey into environmental activism began with a simple observation that communities, particularly young people, were increasingly bearing the consequences of environmental degradation despite contributing the least to global emissions.
Across Uganda and much of Africa, prolonged droughts, devastating floods, erratic rainfall patterns and declining agricultural productivity have become increasingly common.
These changes, according to climate crusaders, threaten livelihoods, food security and economic growth, particularly in countries where agriculture remains the backbone of the economy.
They have warned that Africa is among the regions most vulnerable to climate change, making environmental protection no longer just a conservation issue but a development and survival imperative.
It is such a reality that inspired Ayebare to establish Better Life International, a youth-led organisation dedicated to climate action, sustainability and youth empowerment.
Her journey into environmental activism began with a simple observation that communities, particularly young people, were increasingly bearing the consequences of environmental degradation despite contributing the least to global emissions.
Across Uganda and much of Africa, prolonged droughts, devastating floods, erratic rainfall patterns and declining agricultural productivity have become increasingly common.
These changes, according to climate crusaders, threaten livelihoods, food security and economic growth, particularly in countries where agriculture remains the backbone of the economy.
They have warned that Africa is among the regions most vulnerable to climate change, making environmental protection no longer just a conservation issue but a development and survival imperative.
It is such a reality that inspired Ayebare to establish Better Life International, a youth-led organisation dedicated to climate action, sustainability and youth empowerment.
Through the organisation, she has mobilised young people to participate in environmental conservation, climate education and community resilience initiatives across several African countries.
She has continuously argued that what distinguishes her from many young activists is her ability to bridge grassroots activism and high-level policy engagement.
While many youth advocates operate within communities, she has successfully navigated both local and international platforms, amplifying African voices in global climate deliberations.
Today, she serves as a Youth Presidential Advisor on Climate Change in Uganda and as a Youth Climate Action Negotiator on international climate platforms.
Her roles have seen her contribute to conversations that influence climate policies and sustainability commitments far beyond Uganda's borders.
She has represented young people at major global forums, including United Nations climate conferences, where governments, development partners and environmental experts gather to negotiate responses to one of humanity's greatest challenges.
Her participation in such forums reflects a growing recognition that young people are no longer merely beneficiaries of climate policies but critical stakeholders in designing them.
Before making the Forbes Africa Under 30 list, she had already accumulated a string of accolades that underscored her growing influence in environmental advocacy.
She was named Climate Activist of the Year 2024 and received the globally respected Diana Award, which recognises exceptional young people creating positive social change in memory of Princess Diana.
These honours have elevated her profile, but those who have worked with her say they merely reflect years of consistent dedication to community transformation and environmental stewardship.
Her latest recognition by Forbes Africa comes at a time when the continent is increasingly looking to its youthful population for solutions to complex social, economic and environmental challenges.
In announcing its 2026 Under 30 Class, Forbes Africa celebrated a generation defined by innovation, impact and inclusion qualities that have become synonymous with Ayebare's work.
Many Ugandans have since taken to social media platforms to celebrate her inclusion on the list as indication that the country's young leaders are making their mark on global issues.
She has continuously argued that what distinguishes her from many young activists is her ability to bridge grassroots activism and high-level policy engagement.
While many youth advocates operate within communities, she has successfully navigated both local and international platforms, amplifying African voices in global climate deliberations.
Today, she serves as a Youth Presidential Advisor on Climate Change in Uganda and as a Youth Climate Action Negotiator on international climate platforms.
Her roles have seen her contribute to conversations that influence climate policies and sustainability commitments far beyond Uganda's borders.
She has represented young people at major global forums, including United Nations climate conferences, where governments, development partners and environmental experts gather to negotiate responses to one of humanity's greatest challenges.
Her participation in such forums reflects a growing recognition that young people are no longer merely beneficiaries of climate policies but critical stakeholders in designing them.
Before making the Forbes Africa Under 30 list, she had already accumulated a string of accolades that underscored her growing influence in environmental advocacy.
She was named Climate Activist of the Year 2024 and received the globally respected Diana Award, which recognises exceptional young people creating positive social change in memory of Princess Diana.
These honours have elevated her profile, but those who have worked with her say they merely reflect years of consistent dedication to community transformation and environmental stewardship.
Her latest recognition by Forbes Africa comes at a time when the continent is increasingly looking to its youthful population for solutions to complex social, economic and environmental challenges.
In announcing its 2026 Under 30 Class, Forbes Africa celebrated a generation defined by innovation, impact and inclusion qualities that have become synonymous with Ayebare's work.
Many Ugandans have since taken to social media platforms to celebrate her inclusion on the list as indication that the country's young leaders are making their mark on global issues.