Green Schools Wildlife Concert Inspires Conservation Action among Students

The Green Schools Wildlife Concert – Music for Conservation brought together hundreds of students from 35 schools within the Rwenzori Mountains National Park (RMNP) buffer zone.

Organized by Africa Tourism & Environment Initiatives (ATEI), under the Green Schools Project supported by WWF Uganda, the concert served as a unique platform to amplify the message of environmental and wildlife conservation through music and creative expression.

The event, which attracted students, educators, and key stakeholders in conservation, showcased the power of music as a tool for inspiring action and awareness. The highlight of the concert was the launch of a conservation-themed song titled “Let’s Go Green”, aimed at rallying young people to become active stewards of the environment.  

Bismac Moses Amumpaire, Executive Director of ATEI while addressing students, emphasized the crucial role of young people in driving conservation efforts.

"Music has the power to shape minds and influence behavior. Through this concert, we are nurturing a generation of conservation ambassadors who will carry the message forward to their schools, homes, and communities," he stated.  

He further noted that engaging students in interactive and artistic conservation activities fosters a deeper understanding of the urgent need to protect Uganda’s rich biodiversity.  

Engaging Activities & Student Participation

Beyond the musical performances, the event featured debates, poetry recitals, singing and dancing competitions, and eco-innovation exhibitions, all centered on conservation themes. Students passionately expressed their ideas on sustainable environmental practices, climate action, and wildlife protection.  

In the spirited debate competitions, students demonstrated exceptional knowledge and critical thinking skills on conservation issues. The winners in the primary and secondary school categories were:  

Debate Winners  
Primary Schools  
1. Mother Care Primary School – Winner
2. Kamaiba Primary School – 1st Runner Up
3. Masule Primary School – 2nd Runner Up

Secondary Schools:
1. Kasese Secondary School – Winner
2. St. Thereza Girls Nshenyi – 1st Runner Up  
3. Kichwamba High School – 2nd Runner Up

For the eco-innovation exhibitions, students presented creative projects focusing on environmental sustainability, waste management, and wildlife protection. The top-performing schools in the exhibitions were:

Exhibition Winners
Primary Schools:
1. Katunguru Primary School – Winner  
2. Rwakingi Primary School – 1st Runner Up
3. Kyambura Primary School – 2nd Runner Up

Secondary Schools:
1. Nyakigumba Parents Secondary School – Winner  
2. Kirugu Secondary School – 1st Runner Up
3. Katunguru SSS – 2nd Runner Up

Outstanding schools received trophies, certificates, and other incentives, recognizing their commitment to conservation advocacy.  

The event drew the participation of WWF Uganda, Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), Wildlife Clubs of Uganda, KIIMA Foods, and local government officials. 

The District Education Officer, Mr. Thabugha Earnest, expressed deep appreciation for ATEI’s efforts and pledged continued support for environmental education programs. "This initiative is shaping young minds and fostering a culture of conservation. As an education office, we are committed to working with partners like ATEI to ensure these messages reach more students across the district," he said.