Environmental Sustainability

With over 78% of Uganda’s population under the age of 30, the question is no longer whether youth should lead. It is how we support them to do so. 

This year, ChildFund joined forces with LEAP Africa and Dow Chemical to answer that question through a nationwide Youth Day of Service campaign that turned ideas into action.

Over a thousand people across the country were mobilised to champion environmental resilience, digital empowerment and social responsibility during this year’s Youth Day of Service (YDoS) campaign.

Youth were drawn from 11 districts including; Kyankwanzi, Luwero, Wakiso, Busia, Mbale, Sironko, Budaka, Butaleja, Dokolo, Kole and Kwania, impacting communities in four ChildFund-supported areas of Lango, Bugisu, Kiboga and Busia. 

The initiative was ChildFund’s contribution to the International Youth Day commemoration, celebrated globally under the theme “From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development.”

At its core, YDoS is an annual movement led by LEAP Africa that equips Africa’s youth with the skills, tools and platforms they need to lead positive change in their communities aligned with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.

Youth with tree seedlings shortly before planting them.

“YDoS presents a unique opportunity for ChildFund to contribute meaningfully to SDGs 5, 6, 13, 15 and 17,” said Jenner Kanalo, ChildFund’s Youth Development specialist. “It ignites youth agency and creativity, promotes active citizenship and nurtures a spirit of service among one of the most dynamic demographics in Uganda.”

This year’s campaign in Uganda placed a strong focus on environmental stewardship, reproductive health and volunteer-driven community clean-up initiatives.

Youth in the Lead

The campaign saw tangible, wide-reaching impact:

Four radio talk shows were aired, reaching an estimated 153,000 listeners, focusing on environmental health, digital innovation and reproductive health.

More than 800 youth participated in community sports galas, which doubled as information dissemination and mobilization platforms.

A total of 2,132 trees, a mix of fruit, shade, and hardwood species were planted in schools, health centers, homes and public spaces. While eight community outreaches on reproductive health provided services to 1,565 youth aged 12–35 years, including 12 living with disabilities.

Forty students were recognized for outstanding essays on environmental conservation, promoting environmental consciousness in schools.

Youth-led clean-up drives revitalized 8 markets, 8 trading centers and 12 health centers, demonstrating ownership and commitment to cleaner, safer communities. 

“These activities weren’t just symbolic,” said Herbert Kulafa, the Program manager, Busia Area Federation of Communities, “They were led by youth, for youth and the ripple effect is already visible.”

Beyond the events themselves, the initiative focused on sustainability. Local partners committed to nurturing tree seedlings for survival and longevity, while partnerships with local government ensured continued support for health and environment-related services.

John collects rubbish from Lumino central market.

“We believe the sustainability of these actions lies in youth peer influence and support from permanent structures. Change begins with one empowered individual who inspires others to follow,” Kanalo explained.

A key driver behind the campaign’s success was collaboration. LEAP Africa contributed $2,000 toward the campaign’s budget, underscoring the importance of multi-sectoral support in youth development. The initiative also strengthened ChildFund’s long-standing principle of working with and through partners. 

“We are proud of the impact this collaboration made. With 78% of Uganda’s population under the age of 30, it is critical that young people are seen not just as participants, but as leaders and architects of their future,” Kanalo said.