Climate Strike to Decoalonize Africa

By ADONG CICILLY BEN | @CicillyB 

(Guest Writer/co-authored )

         Today’s #FridaysForFuture climate strike in Kampala, I took part in engaging with the community on supporting climate action and protecting and conserving the environment sustainably for current and future generation.

Climate change is worsening each day globally and Uganda happens to face the challenges of its threats therefore the climate strike tries to ensure that the different stakeholders in communities of Uganda are well informed about importance of the environments safety and the need to protect it harmful human activities like deforestation, pollution and use of fossil fuels.

The action

With @NakabuyeHildaF during the strike |  Photo credit: @Fridays4FutureU

 I, Nakabuye Hilda Flavia and Nirere Sadrach started off from Kampala International University carrying our placards in our hands and walked up the hill of Muyenga via Diplomat road. We staged between the Petroleum Institute and the Muyenga Police for our climate strike but before starting we first introduced ourselves to the police and seek permission to stand around the area which was the road opposite them and we were granted the opportunity only that the police officer noted that if Kampala Capital City Authority figures us out then they we will have to answer to them.   

At 2:14pm under the sunny weather I and Hilda proceeded across the road putting our placards high for the community and all attention was driven as some stood to look, read and champion the messages we had. We stood for an hour after many got our message and we crossed back to the police officers to thank them for allowing us use the place.

Engaging with Police Officers 

        We were appreciated, given drinks and sits as we talked with them as to why we do the climate strike. One of the female police officer asked the meaning of  “fossil fuels” and  I further explained to her how its formed naturally and how its current use is greatly negatively affecting the environment giving examples too. 

A moment with officers at Muyenga Police station on the dangers of “fossil fuels” | Photo credit: @Fridays4FutureU

By 3: 30pm, we returned back using the same road we used at first and stopped at Rayan Cafe to discuss our activity and the coming programs as we look forward towards more #FridaysForFuture #ClimateStrike for safe and clean environment of the country and Africa.

The writer is an environmentalist, climate striker and student of Kampala International University.

Follow her on Twitter at @CicillyB