Kampala Capital City Authority has announced the winners of the second round of the Youth Climate Action Fund, awarding 17 youth-led organisations microgrants of $5,000 (about Shs18 million) each to support climate change initiatives.
The Youth Climate Action Fund, backed by Bloomberg Philanthropies, provides technical assistance and funding to cities, helping them engage thousands of young people aged 15 to 24 years in designing and implementing climate solutions. The programme aims to encourage activities ranging from tree planting to policymaking. In April 2024, Bloomberg Philanthropies launched the fund across 38 countries, reaching over 62 million residents.
Following the success of the first round, where 10 youth organisations in Kampala developed apps to monitor plastic pollution, restored green spaces, and promoted climate education, Kampala was selected to receive $100,000 for the second round.
Announcing the winners on April 27, Kampala Capital City Authority said the grants would support even more ambitious and creative solutions. The winning groups are Green Climate Campaign Africa, Zero Waste, Nafasi Safaris Uganda, NECJOGHA, Africa Farmers Media Centre, Two Sisters Foundation, Upcycle Africa, Urgent Climate Response Initiative Africa (UCRIA), Urgent Climate Action Africa, Liberty Aid, Rethink Climate Action Initiative, Adventist People For Humanity, LDN Safaris, GEWUZA Foundation Limited, William Charity, Fridays for Future Uganda, and Wellness Outreach Network.
The initiative comes as 84 percent of youth worldwide report concern that climate change threatens people and the planet. With cities and mayors often at the frontline of climate responses, the programme supports efforts to integrate youth engagement into city practices.
Kampala Capital City Authority pledged to build on the momentum, ensuring that young people's energy and ideas become a permanent part of the city’s fight against the climate crisis.
