Youth embrace Pope Francis’ call to conserve environment

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On May 24, 2015, Pope Francis issued a pastoral letter, which he gave the name Laudato Si (Latin for Praise be to you). Through the letter, the Pope encouraged all people of the world to be committed to conserving the environment. The letter is basically a call for global ecological conversion.

Ten years down the road, the message of the letter seems to have been received well by many Ugandans. It is even more interesting that those who have shown passionate commitment to the protection of the earth are Ugandans,

Environmental caretakers sharing a photo-moment after their commissioning at Bethany Land Institute, Nandere, in Luweero District in July last year (2024).

Many schools and institutions of Catholic-orientation have established Laudato Si Clubs, through which the students come up with strategic advocacy and practical initiatives and innovations for ecological conservation.

More so, the education department of Kampala archdiocese has, over the past two years, exhibited even greater sensitivity to climate change by dedicating the annual diocesan education week to environmental conservation awareness.

Among the people who have exhibited exceptional understanding/assimilation and application of Pope Francis's environmental care ideals is the Rev. Fr. Prof. Emmanuel Katongole (a Ugandan-born Catholic cleric and don currently based at the University of Notre Dame in the US), who together with his two of his contemporaries, Fr Dr Cornelius Ssempala and the late Fr Anthony Zachary Rweza, founded Bethany Land Institute (BLI), Nandere (in Luweero district), in 2012. The not-for-profit institute trains young Ugandans in conservation agriculture, reforestation and sustainable development. Individuals such as Fr. James Ssendege of Masaka, are also deeply involved in the promotion of integral ecology.

The zeal of young people to put in practice the environmental conservation ideals of Pope Francis was very evident during the celebrations of the 10th anniversary of Laudato Si. The 3-day event, organised by Kampala Archdiocese, took place at  Uganda Martyrs Catholic Shrine Munyonyo, in Makindye Division (May 6).

Archbishop Paul Ssemogerere (wearing a white mitre) shares a photo moment wiith some of the environment conservation activists who graced the celebration of the 10th anniversary of Laudato Si, at Uganda Martyrs Catholic Shrine Munyonyo, in Makindye Division on May 16 (2025).

Archbishop Paul Ssemogerere was the main celebrant. 

“Pope Francis still speaks to us. He tells us it is possible to co-exist with creation. We can still change things for the better. I am happy that people are now zealously implementing the ideals of Pope Francis; both as individuals and institutions. There are some people who have offered themselves to the mission of raising public awareness about climate change and the need to prevent it through environmental conservation practices such as tree-planting, as opposed to deforestation and other destructive human practices.”

“By the way Laudato Si is now a big topic in many countries. Studies are even being done on it in some universities. This year as we celebrate 10 years of Laudato Si, it gives me even greater joy to see young people promoting the spirit of Pope Francis in their schools, families and communities through advocacy and scientific innovations. There is hope for climate justice,” Ssemogerere said.

The celebration at Munyonyo was also graced by many international environmental conservationists, including Lady Ashley Kitisya, a strategic climate campaigner and Programs Manager Africa at the Laudato Si Movement, who also expressed her impression of the exceptional awareness and involvement of Ugandan climate change activists.

Development partners speak out

Dr. Fabian Kasi (MD, Centenary Bank)

Climate change is real. The world is already being affected by the effects. But it also gives us great hope to see our young people assimilating and promoting environmental conservation practices.

The various innovations that our students exhibit also enhance our hope and confidence. With the passionate involvement of children and youthful students, we are certain of a vibrant and sustainable climate change mitigation campaign.

Students from TRICONA's deparment of art and design displaying some of the vessels they made from waste material during a recent exhibition at the school.

Fr. Dr. John Bosco Ssettumba (Deputy Education Secretary, Kampala Archdiocese)

Today, there is even greater need than ever for us to raise awareness about climate change. That is why, for the past two years, we have focused our education week activities on environmental conservation. Further to public talks, we have also encouraged tree-planting and Bulungi Bwansi (voluntary community) among other activities.

Prominent Laudato Si Partners

-Kampala Archdiocese

- Association of Religious in Uganda (ARU)

-John Paul Justice and Peace Center (JPIIJPC)

-Laudato Si Movement (LSM)

-CARITAS Kampala

-Laudato Si Center Comboni

-Catholic Youth Network for Environmental Sustainability Africa (CYNESA)

-Medical Mission Sisters (MMS)

-Laudato Si Youth Initiative

-Franciscan Family

-Center for Citizens conserving the environment

-Climate Justice Africa

-Katanga Ghetto Development Link

-Eco Brix

-Bethany Land Institute (BLI)

- Bakhita Anti-Human Trafficking Network

-Radio Maria Uganda

-The Unlimited Youths (TUY).

Archbishop Paul Ssemogerere (wearing a white mitre) shares a photo moment with some of the clerics and environment conservation activists who graced the celebration of the 10th anniversary of Laudato Si, at Uganda Martyrs Catholic Munyonyo, in Makindye Division on May 16 (2025).