As the realities of climate change intensify across the globe, the legal profession has become an increasingly powerful front line in the fight for environmental justice. From prolonged droughts in East Africa to devastating floods and biodiversity loss, the effects of climate change are no longer distant threats, they are present-day emergencies. In this context, public interest climate litigation has emerged as a critical tool for holding governments, corporations, and institutions accountable.

From Greenwatch’s strategic perspective, litigation is not a single solution to climate change, but one of several complementary tools for advancing climate action. Alongside community engagement, policy advocacy, and awareness-building, litigation plays a vital but targeted role in driving accountability and systemic change.

For advocates registered under the Uganda Law Society (ULS), this moment presents both a challenge and an opportunity: to sharpen their legal skills and become champions of climate justice. The upcoming 2-day training on Strategic Public Interest Climate Litigation, organized by the Uganda Law Society in partnership with Greenwatch, is therefore not just timely—it is essential.

The Rising Importance of Public Interest Climate Litigation

Public interest climate litigation involves legal actions brought to protect the environment and public rights, often on behalf of communities who lack direct access to justice. It goes beyond individual disputes and addresses systemic failures such as weak enforcement of environmental laws, unsustainable development, and governance gaps.

1. Climate Change Is a Justice Issue

Climate change disproportionately affects vulnerable communities like smallholder farmers, women, children, and low-income populations who contribute the least to emissions but face the greatest impacts. Strategic litigation enables advocates to:

• Defend the constitutional right to a clean and healthy environment
• Hold both state and non-state actors accountable
• Enforce compliance with environmental and human rights obligations

2. Courts Are Becoming Key Arenas for Climate Action

Across the globe and within Africa, courts are increasingly shaping climate governance. Uganda’s progressive Constitution and environmental laws provide strong legal grounding for climate-related claims and public interest suits.

3. Litigation Drives Systemic Change

Strategic cases have the power to influence public policy, strengthen enforcement mechanisms, and establish legal precedents. While not a standalone solution, litigation complements other climate strategies by compelling action where systems fail.

Why Ugandan Advocates Must Build Capacity Now

Climate litigation is a specialized and evolving field, requiring both technical expertise and strategic insight.

1. Mastering Strategic Litigation Skills

Advocates must go beyond basic legal knowledge to effectively handle:

• Constitutional and environmental law intersections
• Scientific and technical evidence
• Strategic case framing and persuasive drafting

2. Understanding Uganda’s Legal Framework

Uganda’s constitutional provisions and statutory frameworks provide powerful entry points for environmental litigation—but only for those equipped to navigate them effectively.

3. Integrating Litigation with Broader Climate Strategies

At Greenwatch, litigation is integrated with community engagement and advocacy efforts, ensuring that court action is informed by real community needs and contributes to broader climate justice goals.

A Not-to-Miss Opportunity: The ULS–Greenwatch Training

The Strategic Public Interest Climate Litigation Training is designed to equip advocates with practical skills, strategic insights, and a deeper understanding of climate justice.

🎯 Overall Objective

To strengthen the capacity of legal practitioners to advance environmental protection, climate justice, and human rights through:

• Strategic litigation
• Community engagement

📅 Event Details

• Dates: 17th – 18th June 2026
• Venue: The Great Outdoors, Gayaza–Zirobwe Road, Kalanamu, Uganda
• Organizers: Uganda Law Society & Greenwatch
• CLE Credits: 10 CLE points

What Participants Will Gain

The training will explore both theory and practice through the following sessions:

• From the Trenches: Why environmental lawyers are essential for climate justice
• Navigating the Legal Architecture: Constitutional and statutory frameworks in Uganda
• The Mechanics of Strategic Litigation: Drafting a winning application
• Climate Change Before the Courts: Emerging legal trends and opportunities
• Global and Regional Landscape: Climate litigation insights from Africa and beyond
• Navigating Ethical Challenges: Professional responsibility in public interest cases

Practical Benefits for Participants

• ✅ Earn 10 CLE points toward your professional development
• ✅ Greenwatch will cater for accommodation and transportation, easing participation logistics
• ✅ Acquire hands-on litigation skills in an emerging and impactful field
• ✅ Join a network of advocates driving climate justice in Uganda

Registration Details

• Training Fee: UGX 250,000/=
• Payment: To be made to the Uganda Law Society

📞 Reservation Contacts:

• 0774590680
• 0706317017
• 0783809766

📧 Email:

• [email protected]

Conclusion: The Time to Act Is Now

Climate change is redefining the role of legal professionals. Advocates are not only interpreters of the law, they are defenders of rights, protectors of communities, and drivers of accountability.

Public interest climate litigation is a powerful tool within a broader climate action framework. When combined with community engagement and advocacy, it can deliver meaningful and lasting impact.

Join the training on 17th and 18th June 2026—and take your place at the forefront of climate justice in Uganda.