On June 7, 2026, the Climate YES (CY) movement, in close collaboration with the Namirembe Diocese Youth Ministry, convened a transformative Youth Forest Conservation and Advocacy Training in Masulita Parish, Uganda. Hosted at St. Peter’s Kakiri Church of Uganda (COU), the gathering served as a powerful testament to a enduring truth: the global struggle for climate justice is most effectively fought when rooted in both living faith and direct local action.

Direct Action: 1,000 Trees and Growing

Beyond classroom advocacy, the mission offered a hands-on opportunity to monitor and celebrate the progress of the “CY Forest,” initially established in 2023. The visiting team was thrilled to discover that the first batch of 500 trees is now flourishing, standing tall at an average height of five feet—a living symbol of long-term environmental stewardship.

Building directly upon this growing canopy, the community took decisive steps to expand their ecological footprint:

• Forest Expansion: Participants planted 500 additional indigenous trees, generously donated by the Africa Faith Actors Network for Climate Justice (AFANCJ Uganda), extending the forest across newly designated church land.
• Hands-On Skill Building: Over 70 local youths—far surpassing the initial target of 20 participants—received specialized, practical training in long-term forest management, with an emphasis on sustainable weeding techniques, soil health, and organic pest care.
• Bridging Local Action and Global Policy: The workshop successfully linked these ground-level restoration efforts to broader international climate frameworks. Young leaders gained a clear understanding of how their daily stewardship directly contributes to Uganda’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and strengthens regional calls for global climate finance.

Deepening Impact and Faith-Led Mobilization

The Masulita mission clearly demonstrated that faith-based communities offer one of the most effective and trusted platforms for grassroots mobilization. By integrating creation care directly into the liturgical and social life of the parish, Climate YES deepened its strategic bonds with key ecumenical partners, including the All Africa Conference of Churches (AACC) and the Reformed Presbyterian Church Africa Uganda.

The impact of the day resonated far beyond the borders of Masulita Parish. Major national media outlets—including New Vision newspaper and Namirembe FM—covered the event, broadcasting its message of faith-inspired environmental action to millions across the country.

With five new passionate members officially joining the Climate YES movement and local youth leaders recognized for their ongoing stewardship, the Masulita training stands as a dynamic, scalable model for sustainable, faith-led climate leadership across Africa.