Youth Engagement in Environmental Governance in Uganda: Climate Action Initiatives and Outcomes

This study examines the role of youth engagement in environmental governance and climate action initiatives in Uganda. It explores how young people are becoming central actors in promoting sustainability through digital activism, community mobilization, environmental education, and green entrepreneurship. The research is informed by the Collaborative Environmental Governance Theory, which highlights the involvement of multiple stakeholders government, civil society, youth organizations, and local communities in co-managing environmental resources and shaping policy outcomes. A qualitative research design was used through document analysis of policy reports and academic literature. This approach enabled a critical assessment of youth participation in decision-making spaces and the practical contributions they make to environmental governance.The study identifies several opportunities and challenges influencing youth involvement. These include limited policy integration, inadequate funding, institutional weaknesses, and socio-political constraints. Despite these barriers, Ugandan youth continue to demonstrate innovation and resilience, leveraging digital platforms and community engagement to advocate for climate justice and sustainable development.The findings emphasize the need for gender inclusion, capacity building, and knowledge sharing as key enablers of meaningful participation. The study concludes that reforming climate policies to explicitly include youth voices, strengthening local government capacities, and expanding environmental education and digital literacy are essential for achieving inclusive and effective environmental governance in Uganda.