Youth Climate Council Uganda - Western Region

Strengthening Youth Climate Leadership Across Western Uganda

Rural Smiles Foundation serves as the Western Uganda Regional Host for Youth Climate Council Uganda, supporting meaningful youth participation in climate action, climate governance and locally led solutions across the region. Through this role, we connect young climate leaders, youth-led organisations, communities, civil society, local governments and other climate actors to strengthen collaboration and practical responses to climate challenges.

Our regional engagement covers Bunyoro, Rwenzori and Greater Tooro, Ankole and Kigezi. We recognise that these sub-regions experience different climate and environmental pressures, from changing rainfall patterns and agricultural vulnerability to ecosystem degradation, flooding, water stress and growing pressure on natural resources. Our approach therefore promotes locally relevant climate solutions rather than a single response for the entire region.

From Climate Knowledge to Local Action

We support young people to strengthen their understanding of climate change, Uganda’s climate governance frameworks and practical approaches to adaptation and resilience. Regional learning activities connect climate policy with areas such as regenerative agriculture, renewable energy, circular economy, environmental restoration, green livelihoods and community resilience.

Our goal is to move youth engagement beyond awareness and consultation. We want young people to have the knowledge, confidence, networks and opportunities needed to contribute to decision-making and lead practical climate solutions within their communities.

Supporting Youth-Led Climate Action

Rural Smiles Foundation creates opportunities for young climate leaders to connect, exchange experience and translate learning into action. Through regional workshops, peer learning, community engagement and partnerships, we are helping strengthen a growing network of youth actors working across agriculture, conservation, renewable energy, waste management, water, climate advocacy and green enterprise. We are also linking capacity building with practical opportunities for locally led action, including the Youth Climate Action Seed Grants for Western Uganda, which provide catalytic support to youth-led groups implementing practical climate initiatives.

Building a Climate-Resilient Western Uganda

Climate resilience requires cooperation between young people, communities, government institutions, civil society, technical organisations and development partners. Through our role as Western Regional Host, Rural Smiles Foundation is helping create stronger connections between grassroots climate action and wider climate governance processes. Our long-term ambition is a Western Uganda where young people are recognised not simply as beneficiaries of climate programmes, but as informed leaders, innovators and partners capable of shaping and implementing solutions for more resilient communities.