More than 59 per cent of young environmental defenders surveyed in Uganda say their complaints about environmental destruction are ignored, while some face arrest, intimidation and detention, a study by Fridays for Future Uganda has found.
The study, titled Comparative Study of Intersectional Vulnerabilities and Challenges Facing Young Environmental Defenders in Uganda, examined the challenges facing young people advocating for environmental protection in central, western and northern Uganda between 2025 and 2026.
Derrick Sebaka, the lead researcher, said young environmental defenders who report environmental degradation in their communities are sometimes treated as offenders instead of having their concerns addressed.
“Over 59 per cent of young environmental defenders face a big challenge that when they report concerns of environmental degradation or destruction within their communities, their issues are not paid attention to,” Sebaka said.
He alleged that some activists face arrest and intimidation when they challenge environmental destruction linked to companies and development projects.
Sebaka cited the case of a woman who, according to the study, was detained for more than a month without being taken to court.
The research examined how gender, disability and ethnicity influence the vulnerabilities of young environmental defenders, including the risks they encounter when speaking out against environmental degradation.
In central Uganda, researchers focused on Kampala, where rapid urbanisation has put pressure on wetlands, and Wakiso, particularly areas around Lake Victoria.
In western Uganda, the study examined the Albertine region, including Hoima District, where oil-related developments and implementation of the East African Crude Oil Pipeline have raised environmental and community concerns.
Sebaka said young people who speak out against environmental destruction were among those most vulnerable to intimidation and other forms of repression.
He urged the government to establish specific legal and institutional frameworks to protect environmental defenders and enable them to carry out their work without fear.
“We call upon the government of Uganda to put specific frameworks that target young environmental defenders to give them freedom to operate, because the work they are doing is actually patriotism to ensure that we protect the environment,” he said.
Sebaka also appealed to the international community to continue supporting young environmental defenders, citing financial constraints that limit their ability to conduct advocacy activities in affected communities.
The study adds to concerns about the conditions under which environmental activists operate as Uganda pursues urban development and oil-related projects.
However, the findings presented in the interview did not specify the total number of respondents surveyed or provide a breakdown of the reported cases of arrest, detention and intimidation.