Ugandan Youth Demand Greater Role and Funding in Climate Action

Karamoja, a region in Uganda, is currently grappling with severe climate challenges, including extended droughts and unpredictable rainfall patterns that are heavily impacting agriculture, water resources, livestock, and household incomes. In light of these escalating issues, Ugandan youth are vocally demanding a more significant and empowered role in climate action.

Organizations like the Green Africa Youth Organisation (GAYO) Uganda are at the forefront of this movement. They are advocating for the establishment of a dedicated youth green fund, designed to support young individuals and their initiatives focused on green jobs and community-level climate solutions. Program Manager Jemimah Babirye Kasibbo highlighted that financial limitations often hinder the progress of youth-led projects in areas such as carbon initiatives, advocacy, and sustainable agriculture.

Beyond funding, there’s a critical need for enhanced investment in climate education and skills development. Many young people possess the enthusiasm to address climate change but lack the necessary expertise to create and sustain effective solutions. Kasibbo noted that while various climate funds exist, practical accessibility for young people remains a significant hurdle, often resulting in their involvement being superficial rather than impactful.

Environmentalists also emphasize the importance of integrating climate education into the school curriculum from an early age. Prossy Namutebi, an environmentalist, stressed that learning about climate action should be as fundamental as learning about public health issues, enabling individuals to understand and respond to climate challenges before they personally experience their most severe consequences.

The Ministry of Environment and Mineral Development acknowledges the potential of youth involvement in disaster response, especially for climate-related events like floods and landslides that frequently affect regions like Karamoja. Emmanuel Muliisa from the ministry suggested that channeling a portion of the allocated national budget for climate change mitigation and adaptation towards supporting youth-led green enterprises and carbon projects is crucial for achieving national development goals and ensuring the sustainability of these initiatives. The latest IPC report indicates that over 473,000 people in Karamoja are facing acute food insecurity directly linked to climate change impacts.

Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)