JRS is proud to highlight a recent event designed to inspire young people interested in biodiversity conservation. We hear directly from the event coordinator, Afrikanity Founder and Director Mwezi Mugerwa, to learn more about this noteworthy workshop and the impact of JRS funding.
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On a sunny Friday afternoon of 13th March 2026, Afrikanity, in partnership with JRS Biodiversity Foundation and the Society for Conservation Biology – Uganda Chapter, successfully hosted its 3rd edition of the “ekyoto”. This time in the form of a Youth-Biodiversity Career Day. This ekyoto had one goal: to inspire young people to broaden and strengthen their careers in biodiversity conservation. The ekyoto centered on youth engagement in biodiversity conservation, with a strong emphasis on career development, creativity, and collaborative learning. The event brought together 60 people, including young conservationists from diverse backgrounds, such as academia (Makerere University, Kampala International University, Bugema University, Kyambogo University, and the Uganda Wildlife Training and Research College) and several youth-led conservation organizations. Five Ugandan conservation idols also participated as guest storytellers to share their conservation journeys with the youth at a fireside storytelling session.
The ekyoto created an opportunity for networking and interaction among attendees. Welcome remarks were given by Afrikanity Founder and Director, Mwezi Mugerwa, JRS Biodiversity Foundation Executive Director Matthew Cassetta and Trustee Dr. Julius Ecuru, and a youth representative from the Society for Conservation Biology. The speakers highlighted the urgency of addressing biodiversity loss and emphasized the critical role that young people play in conservation efforts. They also encouraged collaboration, innovation, and active participation in environmental initiatives.
Subsequent activities of the ekyoto included an art bootcamp themed “art for biodiversity”, combining art and biodiversity awareness. This art bootcamp featured and led by Afrikanity’s renowned artists, Peter Triibes (a visual artist) LubegaArt (a mosaic artist). We all participated in art bootcamp, painting a mural and creating a mosaic piece of art depicting biodiversity. These pieces of art were to elicit, in a fun and engaging way, the connection between story telling through art and biodiversity conservation.
Following the art bootcamp, we transitioned into the ekyoto (fireside) storytelling session, which took place around a traditional fireplace. The storytelling was co-hosted by Mwezi, alongside (Shibah Nakakande, an audio journalist with Switch Africa) and Hildah Namulwana (a conservation entrepreneur with Tribe56). The ekyoto featured inspiring stories from Uganda’s conservation idols, including Dr. Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka (a National Geographic Explorer, Co-Founder and CEO, CTPH), and Achilles Byaruhanga (Executive Director, Nature Uganda), Dr. Mathias Behangana (Researcher, Makerere University), Teddy Nabakoza Galiwango (Principal Environment Officer, Kingdom of Buganda), Professor Yazidhi Bamutaze (Department of Geography, Geo-Informatics and Climatic Sciences, Makerere University). The speakers shared their personal journeys in biodiversity conservation, highlighting their experiences, challenges, and achievements. Their stories provided valuable insights into career pathways in conservation and motivated participants to pursue their passion with determination and resilience.
The event concluded with a reception and a live band musical performance. The atmosphere was further enlivened by a live performance by Afrikanity’s music partner, Kenneth Mugabi, the storyteller, who provided entertainment and a celebratory close to the event. The environmentally inspired song and Afrikanity’s anthem “People of the Land” kicked off the live performance. During this final session of the day, participants were served traditionally grilled barbecue, roasted matooke, and a variety of beverages while continuing to network and reflect on the day’s activities. Departure followed at leisure, allowing participants to leave at their convenience after enjoying the food, music, and networking.
The ekyoto Youth-Biodiversity Career Day was a highly successful and impactful event that combined education, creativity, and cultural engagement. The sessions were informative and resourceful, providing participants with practical knowledge and inspiration for pursuing careers in biodiversity conservation. The event also created valuable networking opportunities and fostered meaningful connections among young people and experienced conservation professionals.
Participants’ interactions demonstrated the importance of engaging youth in biodiversity conservation through innovative and inclusive approaches. Participants left feeling inspired, informed, and motivated, with a renewed commitment to contributing to biodiversity conservation.