Uganda is among the countries most vulnerable to climate change, facing disruptions in crop production, increased malnutrition, and the spread of diseases. Global awareness of climate change has surged over the past decade, with calls for action becoming increasingly urgent. At the forefront of this movement is Nicholas Omonuk, a 24-year-old climate justice activist from Uganda.
Rising from a rural community in Pallisa, Omonuk has taken the climate change message to the world, embodying resilience, determination, and the transformative power of personal experience. His impact on the global climate movement has been profound, aiming to cultivate a generation that prioritizes environmental concerns. He believes that even if leaders fail to act, individuals can still make a difference.
Recent devastating wildfires, prolonged droughts, landslides, and flooding exacerbated by deforestation highlight the urgent need for climate action. Omonuk grew up in a pastoralist family, significantly influencing his journey toward making the world a better place. Severe droughts disrupted their lives, leading to malnutrition among livestock and forcing families to sell their animals.
Exposure to climate education at a university workshop in 2021 transformed Omonuk, igniting his passion for climate activism. He began raising awareness, joining local climate strikes, and engaging in digital activism. In 2023, he founded End Fossil Occupy Uganda, a local climate movement demanding the phase-out of fossil fuels and a just transition for Africa.
Omonuk has represented the Most Affected People and Areas (MAPA) at COP27 and COP28, advocating for the phase-out of fossil fuels and operationalizing the Loss and Damage Fund. His activism extends to Europe, collaborating with NGOs and climate movements to amplify the voices of affected communities.
In February 2024, Omonuk’s campaign led to a significant victory when Probitas, an insurance company involved in the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP), withdrew its support. His initiative, Plant For My Future, mobilizes youth and communities across Africa to plant trees and educate people about climate change.
Omonuk advises individuals and communities impacted by climate change to know their rights and speak out about climate injustices. He emphasizes the importance of support and amplifying the stories of those most affected. Looking ahead, Omonuk envisions a future where communities like his have adequate access to food and water and hopes to inspire more young individuals to join the African climate movement.
His journey from a rural village in Pallisa to the global stage is a powerful narrative of resilience, activism, and hope. Omonuk’s story highlights the urgent need for climate action and the importance of amplifying the voices of those most affected by climate change. As he continues to advocate for climate justice, Omonuk remains a beacon of hope and inspiration for many.
