Uganda's Youth Seek Dedicated Green Fund for Climate Action

Young climate leaders in Uganda are demanding the creation of a dedicated green fund to empower their efforts in combating the escalating climate crisis. During a workshop on youth climate leadership held in Kampala, participants highlighted significant challenges in accessing financial resources, technical knowledge, and policy-making platforms.

Jemimah Babirye Kasibbo, Programme Manager at Green Africa Youth Organisation (GAYO) Uganda, stated that while various climate funds exist, practical access for young people remains elusive. She emphasized that financial constraints frequently impede youth-led projects in areas such as carbon initiatives, advocacy, and sustainable agriculture.

Kasibbo also cautioned against superficial engagement, noting that current youth inclusion often amounts to mere tokenism, failing to offer meaningful, long-term involvement. She stressed the importance of investing in climate education and practical skills training, as many enthusiastic young individuals lack the technical capacity to develop and sustain their environmental projects.

Environmentalist Prossy Namutebi advocated for integrating climate action into the primary school curriculum to foster early awareness. She pointed out the need to address critical gaps in climate communication, policy engagement, climate justice, and navigating carbon markets.

Responding to these concerns, Emmanuel Muliisa from the Ministry of Water and Environment acknowledged the vital role of young innovators in building national resilience. He stated that government resources should be channeled to support youth-led green businesses and community climate projects.

This call for direct resource allocation comes as regions like Karamoja face severe climate vulnerabilities, impacting livelihoods through erratic weather patterns. Although the government has allocated significant funds to the Water, Sanitation, and Environment sector, direct access for youth-led organizations remains limited.

Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)