Church leaders and climate activists in Uganda have joined forces to promote the
Plant-Based Treaty, positioning faith communities as key drivers of climate action
through sustainable food systems and lifestyle change.
The initiative was unveiled at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Parish, where faith
leaders, environmental advocates and campaigners gathered to mobilise public
support for the global treaty. The engagement was organised by Laudato Si
Comboni Centre Uganda in partnership with local advocates of the Plant-Based
Treaty.
Campaigners said the Church’s wide reach and moral authority place it in a unique
position to influence attitudes towards climate responsibility, particularly around food
production and consumption. They argued that shifting towards plant-based diets
can significantly reduce environmental degradation while improving public health and
food security.
Speaking at the event, Moses Kalyango, a campaigner with the Plant-Based Treaty
initiative in Uganda, said the movement is seeking endorsements from individuals,
institutions and local governments to encourage national authorities to support the
treaty. He noted that the framework complements global climate commitments by
addressing emissions linked to food systems.
Global campaigners also highlighted the health dimension of the treaty, saying plant-
forward diets can help reduce the burden of non-communicable diseases such as
diabetes, heart disease and some cancers, while easing pressure on ecosystems.
Faith leaders at the gathering said the campaign aligns closely with the Church’s
teachings on stewardship of creation and care for the vulnerable. They expressed
concern that increasing dependence on resource-intensive food systems is
accelerating climate stress, particularly for communities already facing poverty and
food insecurity.
Organisers said the engagement marked an important step in deepening
collaboration between faith institutions and environmental movements in Uganda.
By linking climate action to everyday choices such as diet, they hope to inspire practical,
community level responses to the climate crisis.
As advocacy around the Plant-Based Treaty gains momentum, campaigners believe
church led mobilisation could play a decisive role in shaping public debate and
encouraging policies that prioritise environmental protection, health and sustainable
livelihoods.