Ugandan Youth Take the Lead at LCOY 2025

By Zulaika Iqra Nakato
With climate urgency growing by the day, Ugandan youth stepped into the spotlight at the Local Conference of Youth (LCOY Uganda 2025), held at Motiv in Bugolobi under the theme “From Play to Policy”, ahead of COP30 in Brazil.

The national gathering brought together young people from across Uganda , university students, rural innovators, creatives, scientists, and policy influencers — to rally for climate justice, demand accountability, and shape sustainable solutions for the country’s environmental future.

“We are not just affected by the climate crisis; we are driving solutions,” said David Luganda, Climate Lead at Green Africa Youth Organization (GAYO) Uganda. His words echoed the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child’s 2023 call for governments to safeguard children’s right to a clean and sustainable environment.

As Uganda prepares its third Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0), youth are increasingly recognized as co-architects of the country’s climate agenda. Discussions at the conference called for youth-sensitive climate policies that address real and present challenges such as disrupted education, food insecurity, and displacement due to floods, droughts, and landslides.

The day featured a dynamic mix of panel discussions, workshops, breakout sessions, eco-art installations, and spoken-word performances — all aimed at building youth knowledge, climate leadership, and policy engagement.

Participants engaged with experts and development partners including Alicia Van Den Boom (Germany Cooperation), Beatrice Akello (SOS Children’s Villages), Mercy Melody Kayodi (UNDP), Agnes Ndamata (British High Commission Kampala), the Youth Climate Council Uganda, and various NGOs, who shared insights into global climate negotiations and how youth can meaningfully influence them.

A standout highlight was the Climate Solutions Fair, where young innovators presented creative, community-based projects addressing key climate issues such as renewable energy, waste management, and environmental education.

“Climate justice must be intersectional,” said Jemimah Babirye chairperson Youth climate council. “We cannot talk about climate solutions without involving those most affected.”

The conference placed a strong focus on building capacity within youth groups, developing leadership pipelines, and ensuring that youth have access to the tools and platforms needed to influence change.