Kampala, Uganda – In an interview with our reporter, climate change adaptation advocate and proactive student from Northern Uganda, Ms. Akello Dolly Ongom, urged the youth in the Lango Sub-region and Northern Uganda to join the global movement in advocating for climate change adaptation in line with the Global Goals on climate action.
Dolly shared her insights on Tuesday evening during an exclusive phone interview from Kampala, following a two-day training session on climate adaptation.
“There is a project we are working on to address climate change in Uganda, and it involves the youth. It’s called Youth for Adaptation. Its main focus aligns with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) No. 4 (Quality Education) and No. 13 (Climate Action),” she explained.
According to her, the training attracted several youth from across Uganda, including herself, Akello Dolly Ongom, and Otidi Francis from Northern Uganda.
She noted that it was the first of its kind in Africa focusing specifically on climate change. Ongom added that the conference, titled Youth Adaptation Forum in Uganda, was held at Makerere University in Kampala from April 4–5, 2025.
The Guest of Honour was the Minister of State for Youth and Children Affairs, Hon. Balam Barugaba, who commended the participants for their efforts toward climate action.
The event was organized in partnership with CHAI, Makerere University, and the Government of Uganda, with significant support from the key organizer, the Global Center on Adaptation.
“As Akello, I am especially encouraging the youth in Northern Uganda to participate in this initiative for better climate change adaptation, as we join the rest of the world in its implementation,” she stated.
She further noted that many young people have responded positively to the initiative and expressed gratitude to the Resident District Commissioner (RDC) of Otuke, Mr. Abudul George, for his support. She also called upon religious, local, and cultural leaders to embrace and support this great opportunity in Northern Uganda.
She concluded by emphasizing that the world is moving at a supersonic speed amid a rapidly changing climate. “It is upon this background that the youth—the young blood—must learn to drive meaningful adaptation for a better tomorrow.”
