Moses Ssekyanzi | The Auvert Magazine

Interview: Moses Ssekyanzi

Moses Ssekyanzi is a remarkable young activist from Uganda, dedicated to fighting for climate justice and gender equality. Read his wonderful story from a recent interview with The Auvert Magazine.

What initially sparked your passion for climate activism, and what drives you to continue this work?

Without delving further, I was inspired by fellow activists to initiate my activism, intertwining this passion with real stories from farmers in my home village detailing the impact of climate change on their lives. Having grown up in a rural setting, I observed that more than 95% of my village's population relied on agriculture and fishing for their livelihoods. However, this narrative underwent a shift. Due to prolonged droughts induced by climate change, people in my village no longer harvest sufficient crops for both sustenance and economic stability, resulting in simultaneous challenges of hunger and poverty.

As per local beliefs, some attribute this prolonged drought, caused by climate change, to be a divine curse. Remarkably, none of the villagers has a clear understanding of what climate change entails. Thus, I embraced the role of a climate activist with the aim of educating individuals in rural areas and schools about climate change, its causes, and the simplest actions they can take to preserve nature and their environment. My goal is to dispel the fear associated with the issue of climate change, empowering people to take proactive steps towards climate action.

In your opinion, what are the most pressing environmental issues the world is facing today, and why?

In my opinion, the most pressing environmental issues confronting the world today encompass global warming, a consequence of increased fossil fuel extraction, rapid industrialization, and widespread deforestation. This phenomenon has resulted in elevated temperatures, leading to adverse impacts such as prolonged droughts, extreme weather events like severe storms, and rising sea levels culminating in floods.

Furthermore, global warming has contributed to the loss of biodiversity as wildlife grapples with habitat destruction. The repercussions extend to increased poverty and the displacement of communities, highlighting the interconnected nature of these pressing environmental issues.

What strategies or initiatives do you believe are most effective in combating climate change?

Shifting away from fossil fuels like oil and gas in favor of renewable energies such as solar, biomass, wind energy, hydropower, and nuclear energy offers a more effective approach to combat global warming. By enlightening the public about the dangers associated with certain behaviors, we can address issues like deforestation and pollution, which often stem from unwitting human activities causing harm to the environment.

It's crucial to recognize that the root causes of these problems lie in human actions, and educating the masses can contribute significantly to mitigating their impact. Every individual action, no matter how small, holds the potential to make a positive difference. Engaging in activities like tree planting and effective waste management on a personal level can play a vital role in the collective effort to combat climate change.

Could you share a significant success or milestone from your activism that you're particularly proud of?

A noteworthy achievement that remains close to my heart from my one-year journey as an activist is the successful outreach to more than 1,000 students in various schools in Uganda. Collaborating zealously with fellow dedicated activists, our primary goal was to impart knowledge to students about climate change and inspire them to take tangible climate actions within their communities. The impact was substantial, with over 1,000 individuals reached, more than 500 trees planted, and the establishment of three environmental conservation clubs in these schools.

While acknowledging the positive strides made, I hold aspirations beyond what one might comprehend. My vision extends far beyond our current accomplishments, and I am driven by a dream that surpasses conventional expectations.

What inspired you to found Star Hands Organization, and how does it uniquely address the intersection of climate action and social justice in Uganda?

Star Hands has been a dream of mine since 2018, though at that time, I lacked a clear starting point. Recognizing the need to gain experience and comprehend the workings of the non-profit sector, I took on various roles as a volunteer secretary, media and communications personnel, and project coordinator with different organizations in Uganda. This hands-on experience provided invaluable insights. However, my overarching dream persisted the creation of a non-profit organization capable of reaching and profoundly impacting numerous lives.

In January 2022, I translated this dream into reality by establishing Star Hands. The organization's mission centers around aiding individuals in achieving self-reliance and leading dignified lives. Initially, at the inception of Star Hands, I hadn't fully embraced the role of an activist. It was only later that my interest in activism was kindled. Working alongside a team of passionate individuals, all driven by a genuine concern for their communities, creating positive change, and impacting lives, made the integration of climate activism a natural progression.

Star Hands, founded with the aim of fostering self-reliance and dignity, has since become a platform for both girls and boys. This diverse team is empowered and united by a shared commitment to contribute significantly to something of great importance in our country.

Could you share a significant achievement or project that Star Hands has accomplished in promoting climate action or advocating for gender equality?

The success of our Girls Inspire Girls conference (GIG22) marked a significant milestone, uniting over 200 young girls and boys from diverse backgrounds. The event provided a platform for them to absorb insights and wisdom from inspiring individuals both young and seasoned hailing from various corners of the globe. Distinguished activists like Morris Nyombi and philanthropists from different parts of the world graced the occasion, leaving an inerasable impact by motivating and empowering these young minds to break out of their comfort zones and instigate meaningful change in their communities.

The reverberations of GIG22 were profound, with numerous young girls and boys finding inspiration and empowerment to contribute meaningfully to significant causes. Many were spurred to initiate their own endeavors, both within their school environments and the communities they call home.

How do you approach educating schools and rural areas about climate change, and what impact have you observed from these efforts?

My approach to climate change education involves collaborative efforts with school heads and student leaders. Together, we establish climate and environmental clubs within schools to raise awareness about climate change and educate young individuals on straightforward climate actions to protect and preserve the environment and nature.

Expanding beyond school boundaries, I extend the same initiative to rural villages. Through collective efforts with local leaders, we engage with communities, imparting knowledge about the environmental consequences of certain practices. Simultaneously, we empower them to embrace various climate actions, such as encouraging each family member to plant a tree, a simple yet impactful step, and discouraging the cutting down of trees, among other approaches.

How do you balance your advocacy work between promoting climate action and addressing gender inequality within your organization?

By actively involving both young boys and girls in my work, I champion gender equality. Within our team, regardless of gender, everyone has the agency to make decisions and propose ideas. We've successfully executed diverse projects led by both boys and girls. Embracing the principle that no one takes precedence over another, our team operates on the belief that working to positively impact lives in our communities is not just a commitment but a source of enjoyment. Consequently, we find fulfillment in dedicating ourselves to the betterment of our community.

What are your aspirations for the future of Star Hands Organization, and what impact do you hope to achieve in the coming years in Uganda and beyond?

Over a year ago, a profound commitment to addressing hunger, poverty, and the promotion of education took root in my heart. This dedication crystallized upon my return to my village, where the stark reality of drought-induced challenges, hunger, extreme poverty, and food insecurity greeted me. The adverse economic conditions have led to an inability to afford school fees, depriving children in my community of education. With agriculture and fishing constituting 98% of our economic activities, the struggle for survival has intensified, resulting in distressing reports of numerous cases of suicide.

My aspiration is to initiate an irrigation scheme or farm aimed at providing employment opportunities, particularly for the youth, and enhancing food security within my community. This project aligns with three pivotal Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Poverty alleviation, Hunger eradication, and the promotion of Quality Education. I recognize that by ensuring families have access to both food and employment, we can effectively mitigate issues of hunger and poverty, enabling children from these families to pursue education.

Upon achieving these goals, my vision extends to the establishment of a school that not only benefits my community but also extends educational opportunities to surrounding areas. Despite the seemingly insurmountable funding requirements for these dreams (approximately $1.2M), I hold steadfast belief in their feasibility through the right support and collaborations. I am convinced that collective efforts can overcome any challenges.

Looking into the future, I envision a collaboration with Star Hands to bring these ambitions to fruition. Simultaneously, my commitment to Climate Activism persists, both within Uganda and on the international stage. The integration of climate action with Star Hands will remain a constant, as our potential knows no bounds.