Howard Mwesigwa (he/him)

How are you using education to build more sustainable and equitable communities? Tell us about your EE work and impact. 

Through the Climate Action Leadership Incubator (CALI), I use environmental education as a transformative tool to empower young Africans to lead local climate action. CALI provides training, mentorship, and experiential learning opportunities that help youth understand the science, policy, and justice dimensions of the climate crisis — and translate that knowledge into tangible community solutions.

Our programs, such as the East African Climate Academy and the Climate Leadership Incubation Series, have reached hundreds of young people, equipping them with skills in climate negotiation, environmental governance, and sustainable entrepreneurship. These emerging leaders are now initiating tree-planting campaigns, influencing policy dialogues, and fostering climate resilience in their communities.

Beyond CALI, I have integrated education into my work as Speaker of the National Environment Parliament and Chairperson of the EU Youth Sounding Board – Uganda, where I advocated for youth inclusion in environmental decision-making. By connecting learning with leadership, I aim to cultivate a generation that not only understands environmental issues, but also actively shapes equitable and sustainable futures.

Tell us about your journey to where you are today. What inspired you? What has your path been like? 

My journey began in rural Uganda, where I witnessed firsthand how environmental degradation and climate change affected farmers’ livelihoods and access to clean water. These early experiences ignited in me a deep sense of justice — a conviction that protecting the environment is inseparable from protecting people’s rights and dignity.

While studying law at Makerere University, I discovered how legal frameworks could advance environmental protection and empower communities. This realization led me to pursue environmental law and youth engagement as twin pathways to create change. Over time, I founded the Climate Action Leadership Incubator (CALI) to bridge the gap between policy and practice by equipping young people with the knowledge and skills to lead climate action in their own communities.

My path has been one of learning, collaboration, and resilience — from mobilizing youth-led campaigns to representing young Ugandans in global climate discussions. Each step has reinforced my belief that education and inclusive leadership are vital for achieving climate justice. Today, I remain inspired by the passion of young people who refuse to be bystanders in shaping a sustainable future. At present, I am pursuing a Master of Laws (LL.M) in Global Environment & Climate Change Law at the University of Edinburgh, with support from the prestigious Chevening Scholarship. 

How can people learn more about or support your work? 

People can learn more about my work through the Climate Action Leadership Incubator (CALI) — a youth-led initiative empowering young Africans to take action against climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution. CALI provides environmental education, leadership training, and mentorship to help young people design and implement local solutions for sustainable development.

Support can take many forms — from partnering on capacity-building programs, offering mentorship and technical guidance, to providing funding or visibility that helps scale our work. Collaboration is at the heart of everything we do, and we are always eager to connect with individuals and organizations that share our commitment to empowering youth for climate action.

Together, we can build a generation of informed, innovative, and justice-driven young leaders advancing sustainability across Africa!

A Little More About Me

What advice would you give to the next generation of leaders?

Believe in the power of your voice and purpose. Leadership is not about position but about service — using your skills and compassion to uplift others and drive change. Stay curious, stay teachable, and never underestimate the ripple effect of small, consistent actions for people and the planet.

What (or who) keeps you hopeful for the future?

I draw hope from the energy, creativity, and resilience of young people across Africa who are redefining what climate leadership looks like. Seeing them innovate, mobilize communities, and influence policy reminds me that our collective action can indeed rewrite the narrative of climate despair into one of justice and restoration.

What are your hobbies?

My hobbies include playing basketball, reading inspirational books, and making new friends. 

What are you happiest doing?

I am happiest when engaging young people — facilitating workshops, mentoring emerging leaders, or co-creating climate solutions with communities. These moments remind me why I started this journey: to inspire and empower others to see themselves as agents of change in building a sustainable and equitable future.