In Western Uganda, at Mbarara University of Science and Technology, a group of passionate young people gathered for an important mission: to talk about the future of our environment. Over two days, we discussed how climate change and biodiversity loss are affecting their communities and what they can do to halt/reverse it. This wasn’t just another meeting. It was a call to action, led by young leaders like Alison Ninsiima, Obore Emmanuel, and Denise Ayebare with support from United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The consultation came just before major global Conference of Parties (COP) which are yet to happen on climate (COP29) and biodiversity (COP16), making the event more urgent.

Why This Matters: Climate Change is Now

Alison and Denise, dedicated climate activists, opened the event with a powerful message: “The environment isn’t just where we get our food. It’s our livelihood, our income, and our future.” For many people in Western Uganda, the environment is life. Crops depend on the weather. Rivers like the Rwizi provide water for drinking, farming, and fishing as well as regulating temperature of the landscape. But as climate change continues to impact these natural resources, life has become harder. 

It’s not just about the future anymore - it’s happening now. Unpredictable rains, dried-up rivers, and depleted soils are making it more difficult for farmers to grow food. “If we don’t act now,” Alison warned, “the consequences will be devastating for our communities.”

Exploring Western Uganda’s Biodiversity: A Rich Resource at Risk

One of the most eye-opening parts of the consultation was the discussion on biodiversity. Western Uganda is blessed with incredible natural diversity. There are fish in the lakes and rivers, unique plants in the forests, and animals that call this region home. But the health of these ecosystems is under threat.

Participants shared stories of how things have changed over time. Rivers once full of fish are now polluted with plastic and waste. Deforestation is eating away at the forests that once provided shelter for wildlife. One participant, Oscar Amanya, explained how biodiversity is like a web - all living things are connected. “If we lose one species, it can have a ripple effect on the entire ecosystem,” he said. “And that’s what’s happening right now.”

During the sessions, participants engaged in a fun icebreaker—choosing an animal or plant they would want to be and explaining why. This activity reminded everyone how connected they felt to nature, sparking deeper discussions about the biodiversity surrounding them.

The Power of Youth: From Discussion to Action

A big theme throughout the event was the power of youth. Uganda’s young people are not waiting around for others to fix things - they’re ready to lead. But to make real changes, youth need to be involved in decision-making. They can’t just be invited to meetings as spectators; they need to be part of the solution. The consultation emphasized how important it is for young people to use their voices, share ideas, and act.

One participant shared an inspiring story about a group of youth in his community who started a tree-planting initiative. “At first, it was just a few of us planting trees around our village,” he said. “But now, it’s grown into a project involving hundreds of young people. We realized that we could create real change when we come together.”

Of course, the path to solving climate and environmental issues isn’t easy. During the consultation, participants discussed tough challenges. Industrial pollution in places like Mbarara, where waste is dumped into rivers, continues to harm both the environment and people’s health. Deforestation, poor waste management, and the burning of grasslands are just a few of the problems that came up.

One young woman, Pheobe Mirembe, shared how the river Rwizi near her home had lost so much water pressure that rocks that were once submerged are now fully visible. “It used to be so full of life,” she said. “Now, it looks like it’s drying up.”

But these challenges didn’t discourage the group. Instead, they brainstormed solutions. Ideas ranged from better waste management systems to involving religious and community leaders in environmental education. Some participants suggested using social media to raise awareness and mobilize more youth.

Small Steps Lead to Big Changes

A common message throughout the two days was that change doesn’t always come from big actions. Sometimes, the small, everyday things we do can make the biggest difference. As Mercy Kayodi from UNDP put it, “It’s not just about planting trees. It’s about growing trees - nurturing them and making sure they survive.” She also talked about carbon markets, where people can make money from growing trees, and how understanding these markets can empower communities.

One participant, Naturinda Penelope, shared a tradition from her village where dry grass is burned to encourage new growth during tough times. This practice sparked a conversation about how communities adapt to environmental challenges and the importance of sharing indigenous and traditional knowledge.

What’s Next? Taking the Message Beyond the Consultation

By the end of the two days, the participants didn’t just leave with ideas. They left with a plan. A youth position paper will be drafted and presented at COP29 and COP16, making sure that Uganda’s youth have a voice on the global stage. Back at home, they will continue their tree-growing projects, community clean-ups, and advocacy work. 

The consultation also made it clear that for real change to happen, everyone must be involved “whole of government and society approach” - youth, local leaders, government officials, and everyday community members. As Denise said, “We can’t wait for others to solve our problems. We need to act now. The solutions are in our hands.”

The meeting with the NFA staff led the NFA Executive Director Mr. Stuart Maniraguha gave the youths more hope encouraging them to engage in tree growing and availing them every support in the conservation build up.

A Future Worth Fighting For

The two-day consultation in Western Uganda showed that young people are ready to lead the fight for climate and biodiversity. The road ahead is full of challenges, but the energy, passion, and commitment of Uganda’s youth are undeniable. 

From planting trees to cleaning up rivers, these young leaders are already making a difference. They are the future stewards of the land, water, and air that sustain us all. And if their determination at this consultation is a sign, the future of Uganda’s environment is in very capable hands.

By Youth Climate Champions Denise Ayebare, Emmanuel Obore and Alison Ninsiima