Putting People First: Climate Action Starts With the Frontlines

On Tuesday, April 14, 2025, the Daily Monitor featured a powerful discussion on Uganda’s climate strategies—spotlighting voices from across academia, government, and grassroots movements. I was honored to be part of this dialogue as the Founder and Team Lead of Ekcians GreenLyf Foundation.

In the face of intensifying climate impacts, I emphasized a critical but often overlooked truth: those most affected must be at the heart of our solutions. That means prioritizing children, women, and smallholder farmers—the true front-liners of the climate crisis. These are the communities bearing the brunt of rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, and food insecurity—yet their voices are too often left out of the decision-making table.

Broadening the Conversation
As captured in the Daily Monitor, I stated:

“We need to broaden the conversation on climate change to include the smallholder farmers, women, and children who are more negatively impacted by climate change.”

Their resilience and innovation can be a powerful force for change—if given the support, platforms, and resources they deserve.

United for Climate Justice
I shared this platform with other climate thought leaders, including

• Dr. Mithika Mwenda, who highlighted the urgent response needed for flood-prone areas like Karamoja and Kampala.
• Prof. Edward Baale, who called for a smarter energy transition that considers both global goals and local livelihoods.
• Hon. Dr. Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi, who emphasized preserving natural resources for future generations.

Spotlight on Local Heroes
While reading the Daily Monitor, I was also moved by the incredible story of Munyasa Hellen & Helton Trader—a reminder of the everyday heroes making a difference in their communities. We featured Hellen’s full story on TheGreenLyfPodcast, offering a deeper dive into her journey and grassroots efforts.

If you missed this powerful edition of the Daily Monitor, be sure to grab the archived copy dated April 14, 2025, for the full discussion.