Education leaders in Uganda face a critical challenge: preparing the next generation to navigate the realities of climate change. In Kayunga District, now entering its third year of implementation, the Climate Education Leadership (CEL) initiative, one of the key core programs that compliment our Fellowship program, continues to bridge this gap. Over 25 headteachers from our partner schools convened at Bishop Brown Primary School in Kayunga district for the initiative’s inception meeting.
The initiative recognizes that Uganda’s schools are uniquely positioned to shape learning outcomes alongside community resilience. Deforestation, soil degradation and erratic weather patterns are threatening livelihoods, yet climate education remains marginalized within the national curriculum. Teachers often lack the training and localized resources needed to equip students with practical knowledge. CEL provides a pathway to change this by strengthening teacher capacity, empowering students to lead climate action and engaging communities through the Village Education Champion model.
Joseph Kawagga, Senior Program Officer for Central and Eastern Uganda, facilitates the inception meeting with district leaders from partner schools in Kayunga.
Village Education Champions will be instrumental in ensuring systemic impact as they will mobilize climate action groups, advocate for girls’ education, safeguard children in vulnerable contexts and connect schools with parents, local leaders and district authorities. This structure allows climate education to move beyond classrooms and into entire communities.
The voices at the launch underscored the urgency and opportunity of this moment. “Climate education is a lifeline for our children and communities,” said Allan Obua, Fellowship Manager at Teach For Uganda. “Our rural communities are on the frontline of climate change. CEL ensures that schools become centers of resilience,” added Abito Topista, Program Officer at Teach For Uganda.
Mr. Mweru Edirisa, Deputy Headteacher at Namagabi UMEA Primary School, shares his reflections following the session.
Headteachers echoed this commitment, emphasizing that CEL aligns with broader development priorities. “By empowering both teachers and community leaders, we aim to build solutions that safeguard our children’s future,” remarked Mweru Edirisa from Namagabi Umea Primary School, Kayunga District.
Allan Obua, Fellowship Manager at Teach For Uganda, leads the sessions on Climate Education Leadership at Bishop Brown Primary School, Kayunga District.
Community leaders expressed pride and determination. “Kayunga District is proud to be part of this initiative. By empowering both teachers and community leaders, we are building solutions that safeguard our children’s future,” said Joseph Kawagga, Senior Program Officer, Teach For Uganda. “Agriculture is the backbone of our district. When students learn sustainable practices early, they can transform how their families farm and manage land,” emphasized Ms. Kitaayi Cissy, the District Agricultural Officer.
The Climate Education Leadership initiative is a movement to integrate climate literacy into the education system and build leadership at every level. The seeds planted in Kayunga are expected to grow into a model for scaling climate education across Uganda, ensuring that children, schools and communities are prepared for the future and actively shaping it.
