Youth Mobilise for Climate Action Across Lango, Acholi and Karamoja

18 September 2026, 6:40 pm

By Eman Yonah Oruk

Youth in Oyam District and across the Lango, Acholi and Karamoja sub-regions have been strongly urged to take decisive action against the growing effects of climate change.

The call was made during a regional youth engagement organised by Aleka Youth Initiative Ltd, with support from the Green African Youth Organization and the Youth Climate Council Uganda, aimed at strengthening youth participation in climate governance and turning knowledge into practical action.

The consultative meeting brought together youth, district officials, cultural and religious leaders, students and other stakeholders to deliberate on the effects of climate change and strategies for environmental protection.

Moses Odongo, Executive Director of a youth-led community organisation, emphasised that the initiative seeks to bridge the gap between young people and government decision-makers. He called for youth involvement in district planning, budgeting and climate programmes, encouraging activities such as tree planting and environmental conservation.

Clement Emmanuel Otim, Principal Assistant Secretary of Oyam District, urged youth to respect the wisdom of elders while embracing their changing role in development. He highlighted government programmes including the Youth Livelihood Programme, Operation Wealth Creation, Enable Youth, Restocking and the Parish Development Model, advising young people to acquire skills and financial discipline before investing in projects.

Oyam District IT Officer Dila Ronald warned that climate change is already affecting communities through delayed rainfall and prolonged drought. He cautioned against destructive practices such as charcoal burning and brick-making, which result in massive tree cutting.

Social worker and banker Priscilla Apio stressed that environmental protection is essential for community wellbeing. She encouraged tree planting, wetland protection and avoidance of harmful activities, warning that degradation could worsen disasters in the future.

Prisca Apio, a student at Otwal Secondary School, added that the engagement had taught them the importance of conserving the environment and responding to climate challenges.

Felix Okey from Aleka Youth Initiative Alebtong representative expressed gratitude to partners for supporting the consultative meeting, noting that youth from the Lango sub-region had gained valuable knowledge to share with grassroots organisations. He emphasised the need for reforestation, proper waste management and collaboration with district officials to access climate action funds.

Omar Oscar, representing youth from the Karamoja sub-region, said the training had provided practical lessons on conservation. He highlighted the importance of sensitising youth against bush burning, promoting recycling and involving cultural, spiritual and district leaders in climate action. He pledged to carry the knowledge gained to transform youth in his community, particularly in drought-prone areas.

This regional engagement reaffirmed the central role of youth in driving climate action and protecting the environment, with Aleka Youth Initiative and its partners positioning themselves as key advocates for sustainable development in Northern Uganda.