CHILDREN MARCH FOR CLIMATE ACTION, AS KIGENYI RALLIES SUPPORT FOR GREENER KAMPALA

More than 5,000 schoolchildren took to the streets of Kampala on Saturday in a climate change march aimed at promoting environmental protection and awareness among young people, with a renewed call to address worsening air quality in the city.

The 2-kilometre march, which started and ended at the KCCA City Hall Gardens, was organised by Little Hands Go Green in partnership with Haris International and other stakeholders. The event was held simultaneously with a similar march in Munich.

Flagging off the march, Benon Kigenyi, the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) Deputy Executive Director, said the initiative reflects a growing movement to involve children in addressing environmental challenges.

“This is a fulfilling moment to see young people actively engaging in matters that affect their future,” Kigenyi said.

Kigenyi said Kampala faces growing environmental challenges linked to rapid urbanization, including poor waste management, pollution, declining green cover and deteriorating air quality.

“In a city like Kampala, protecting the environment is essential to public health and sustainable development,” he said. “How we manage waste, control emissions and maintain clean surroundings has a direct impact on the quality of life and the air we breathe.”

He noted that poor air quality largely driven by vehicle emissions, open waste burning and dust from unpaved roads poses increasing health risks, particularly to children.

“Clean air is not a luxury. It is a basic necessity, especially for our children whose health is more vulnerable,” he said.

The march, held under the theme ‘Our environment is our future and our future is our responsibility’, attracted pupils from schools within and outside the city.

Participants carried placards and chanted messages calling for collective action against climate change, cleaner air and responsible waste management.

Kigenyi emphasized the importance of involving young people in conservation efforts, saying early engagement helps build a generation that values and protects the environment.

“When children understand their role, they influence their homes and communities,” he said. “That is how lasting change is achieved.”

Organisers said the campaign is part of ongoing efforts to promote environmental conservation through education and community engagement, particularly among young people, including sensitisation on air pollution and its effects.

KCCA officials said the Authority will continue to support initiatives that encourage responsible environmental practices, including efforts to improve air quality through better waste management, urban greening and public awareness.

The event concluded with environmental awareness activities at the City Hall Gardens, as participants reiterated calls for joint action to secure a sustainable and cleaner future.

By Geofrey Mutegeki Araali

Communication and Media Relations Officer