Students from several schools in Jinja District gathered today for the "Laudato Si Green Festival", a Catholic Church initiative aimed at fostering environmental awareness and sustainable practices among the youth.
The day’s activities began with a symbolic “Green Walk” — a colorful procession from Holy Cross Parish in Bugembe to Holy Cross Lake View Secondary School in Wanyange. The walk drew learners from across the region and served as a public call to action on environmental conservation.
The festival culminated in a Green Mass presided over by Rev. Fr. Gerald Muto, Chancellor of the Jinja Diocese.
In his homily, Fr. Muto challenged Ugandans — especially the youth — to take personal responsibility in protecting the environment.
“Each of us has a duty to care for creation. Let us plant trees, manage our waste, and become champions of change within our communities,” he said.
Fr. Muto also echoed the words of Pope Francis in his 2015 encyclical 'Laudato Si': On Care for Our Common Home, reminding attendees that “God can forgive, man can forgive — but nature does not forgive when it is tampered with.”
The Laudato Si Festival derives its inspiration from the papal encyclical, which urges humanity to confront the ecological crisis and treat care for the planet as a moral and spiritual responsibility.
The title “Laudato Si” — meaning “Praise be to You” — comes from a canticle by St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of ecology.
During the Jinja event, organisers reinforced the Pope’s message and called for stronger collaboration between communities, faith institutions, and government agencies.
“This festival is rooted in Pope Francis’ call to care for our common home,” said Rev. Fr. Prosper Atukwase.
“We invite government bodies to partner with schools, churches, and communities in tree-planting and promoting green practices.”
Immaculate Kisembo, patron of the Laudato Si Club at Holy Cross Lake View SS Wanyange, emphasized the importance of youth engagement in environmental protection.
“Involving students early is key to shaping a generation that values the environment,” she said. “Our goal is to challenge threats like deforestation and wetland encroachment and build a national culture of conservation.”
Students also showcased environmental projects through exhibitions on recycling, organic farming, solar energy, and plastic waste management — demonstrating innovation and a growing commitment to sustainability.
Organisers pledged to expand the annual Laudato Si Festival, bringing more schools on board, increasing tree-planting initiatives, and pushing for deeper integration of environmental education into Uganda’s national curriculum.