March 9, 2026
Across Uganda, partners of VC marked Africa Environment & Wangari Maathai Day on March 3rd with practical activities that brought communities together to respond to the climate crisis. From radio discussions reaching thousands of listeners, to tree planting, environmental education, and community engagement with both young people and older citizens, the events highlighted a shared message: small actions can lead to meaningful environmental change.
Empowering Youth Voices for the Environment
VC partner FOHO Uganda marked the day by hosting an engaging radio Eco-Talk Show on Radio Buddu under the theme “Small Actions, Big Change.” The programme focused particularly on the role of youth in environmental protection, encouraging young people to see themselves as active agents of change in their communities.
The discussion explored practical actions that young people can take to protect their environment, including tree planting, community clean-up campaigns, and promoting sustainable everyday habits. Speakers also reflected on the legacy of Wangari Maathai, whose work demonstrated how individual commitment can inspire large-scale environmental change.
Listeners learned about the local impacts of climate change in Uganda, including unpredictable weather patterns, flooding, and challenges for farmers, and were encouraged to respond through community action and environmental stewardship.
The programme also provided practical advice on waste management and recycling, highlighting simple steps households can take such as reducing plastic use, composting organic waste, and supporting local recycling initiatives.
In addition, the discussion addressed water safety and drowning prevention, providing communities with practical guidance on protecting children and families living near water bodies.
The show generated strong engagement, with listeners calling in to share their own environmental initiatives and ask questions about climate adaptation and waste management. The discussion helped raise awareness while motivating young people to take concrete action within their communities.
Students Lead Tree Planting and Clean-Up Activities
Another VC partner, Bishop Magambo Counsellor Training Institute (BMCTI), organised a vibrant community celebration that brought together students and local residents to take direct environmental action.
The day began with an environmental awareness session attended by around 30 members of the Rotaract Club from Uganda Martyrs University. Following the session, participants planted 20 avocado trees around student hostels and 100 indigenous Musisi trees on university land, helping to increase local tree cover and promote biodiversity.
Students also carried out a campus clean-up campaign, collecting polythene bags, plastic bottles and other waste materials that threaten the environment.
Engaging Older People in Environmental Action
BMCTI also ensured that environmental action extended beyond the campus. During home visits to elderly community members over the following days, staff and volunteers planted 25 avocado trees and 25 guava trees together with older residents.
The activity was warmly welcomed by the elderly participants, many of whom took part in physically planting the trees themselves. Gardening and tree planting are known to bring benefits for both physical and mental wellbeing, and the participants expressed joy at contributing to a healthier environment.
As they planted the trees, several of the elderly residents shared a hopeful wish: that they might live long enough to enjoy the fruits of the trees they had helped to plant.
Mobilising Communities for Long-Term Environmental Action
In Kampala, VC partner Caritas Kampala commemorated the day through a large multi-stakeholder event organised by its Cooperatives Office in collaboration with other departments, schools and community organisations.
Credit Dulsey Lima (Unsplash)
The celebration drew inspiration from the legacy of Wangari Maathai and her “hummingbird philosophy”—the idea that even small actions can make a difference in responding to environmental challenges.
Participants included Caritas Kampala staff, cooperative societies, school-based Caritas Clubs, community leaders and development partners, reflecting a shared commitment to environmental stewardship and climate awareness.
The programme began with reflections on the responsibility of communities and institutions to protect creation and respond to the climate crisis. Environmental experts then delivered sessions on climate change, natural resource conservation, and the impact of environmental degradation on livelihoods and food systems in Uganda.
Young Environmental Ambassadors
Students played an important role in the event. Pupils from nearby schools presented creative contributions highlighting the importance of protecting the environment.
Students from St. Peter’s Primary School performed a poem addressing the damaging effects of environmental degradation, while St. Joseph’s Primary School shared practical ideas on how young people can help preserve the environment through everyday actions.
These contributions demonstrated the importance of engaging young environmental ambassadors, ensuring that awareness and responsibility for the environment are passed on to the next generation.
Commitments for Action in 2026
A key feature of the celebration was the introduction of formal environmental pledges from participating institutions. These commitments aim to turn awareness into measurable action over the coming year.
Among the commitments made were:
Tree planting initiatives by cooperative societies
Community mobilisation on environmental protection
Improved waste management and recycling practices
WASH and water sanitation initiatives led by Caritas departments
School-based environmental projects through Caritas Clubs
A practical demonstration of waste segregation and recycling systems at Caritas Kampala further reinforced the importance of everyday environmental practices.
The event concluded with a symbolic tree planting at St. Peter’s Primary School, representing a shared commitment between schools, communities and institutions to protect the environment for future generations.
Responding to the Climate Crisis Together
While each partner marked the day in different ways, the activities shared a common purpose: mobilising communities to take practical steps in response to the climate crisis.
Through youth engagement, community education, tree planting, waste management initiatives, and intergenerational participation, VC’s partners in Uganda are helping communities build resilience while protecting their natural environment.
In the spirit of Wangari Maathai’s message, these initiatives show that when communities take small actions together, they can create meaningful and lasting environmental change.