Young people in Masaka City will have an opportunity to access grants ranging from Shs3 million to Shs18 million under a new initiative aimed at supporting youth-led projects that address climate change and environmental conservation.
Masaka City Mayor Florence Namayanja Mukasa officially launched the Masaka City Bloomberg Youth Climate Fund at Timothy Girls High School in Kisoso, Kimanya-Kabonera Division. The event attracted students from various schools who are members of environmental and climate action clubs.
The programme invites young people aged between 15 and 25 years to submit proposals outlining innovative ideas that can help protect the environment within Masaka City. Successful applicants will receive funding to implement their projects.
The grants are being provided through the Bloomberg Philanthropies Youth Climate Action Fund, a global initiative that supports cities committed to addressing climate change. Mayor Namayanja said Masaka is the only city in Uganda selected to benefit from the programme and one of 38 cities worldwide chosen to receive the funding.
Speaking at the launch, Namayanja urged young people to seize the opportunity by developing practical solutions to the environmental challenges affecting the city.
"This is your opportunity to become part of the solution to climate change. We are calling upon all young people with innovative ideas to apply for these grants and help make Masaka a cleaner and greener city," Namayanja said.
She encouraged the youth to use their creativity and energy to build a better future for themselves while protecting the environment.
"The actions you take today will determine the kind of environment future generations inherit. Use this chance to create lasting change in your communities," she added.
Masaka City Environment Officer Pauline Nabadda described the funding as a significant investment in the next generation of environmental leaders.
"Bloomberg's decision to support our youth is an investment in tomorrow's leaders. Young people have the creativity and passion needed to tackle climate challenges," Nabadda said.
She encouraged applicants to focus on projects that address some of Masaka City's most pressing environmental concerns, including poor waste management, plastic pollution, and wetland conservation.
"We want to see ideas that reduce garbage, promote recycling, improve plastic waste management, and protect our wetlands. These are some of the biggest environmental challenges facing Masaka today," Nabadda said.
Timothy Girls High School Head Teacher Brenda Nakayenze welcomed the initiative, saying it would inspire young people to become active participants in environmental conservation.
"This programme gives our students a chance to transform their ideas into practical projects that will benefit both the school and the wider community," Nakayenze said.
Students who attended the launch highlighted climate-related challenges affecting Masaka, including poor waste disposal, environmental degradation, and increasing pollution. They expressed optimism that the fund would enable young people to play a greater role in developing sustainable solutions.
Applications for the Masaka City Bloomberg Youth Climate Fund are now open, with city authorities encouraging eligible young people to submit innovative proposals that will contribute to environmental protection and improve the quality of life for residents of Masaka City.
