Ugandan climate activist Hamira Kobusingye awarded the 18th Bremen Solidarity Prize

Ugandan climate justice activist, Hamira Kobusingye, has been honored with the 18th Bremen Solidarity Prize.

The award was presented to her at the Rathaus Bremen in Bremen, Germany, by the city mayor and Senate President, Andreas Bovenschulte, on October 9, 2023.

In his speech at the award ceremony, Senate President Bovenschulte stated that the prize serves as “an important symbol of the significance of working for global climate justice, not only for Kobusingye but for young people worldwide.”

The mayor expressed gratitude to Kobusingye for her unwavering dedication and her resilience in advocating for what truly matters. He added that they hope the award will inspire her to continue her advocacy journey.

Every two years, the government of Bremen gives the Bremen Solidarity Prize to people and groups who are working to make things fairer between different parts of the world and trying to fix problems related to colonialism and racism. They also want to support democracy and human rights.

ZMT director, Bleischwitz Raimund, who also attended the event, referred to the Ugandan youth activist as a strong “voice of courage and commitment.” He emphasized that her work on climate protection is intertwined with access to resources and gender justice, which are critical global issues.

Kobusingye, who traveled to Bremen with her mother, shed tears of joy as she accepted her award.

Speaking to Climate Post, Kobusingye stressed the need for strategies that empower communities and individuals to lead sustainable lives. She emphasized the urgency to bridge the gap between rhetoric and action, saying, “Only then can we achieve a sustainable future for all. Let’s forge a future where climate justice prevails.”

She expressed deep humility at being recognized among remarkable individuals and initiatives dedicated to upholding human rights, democracy, and combating the far-reaching consequences of climate injustice, colonialism, and racism.

“From the earliest moments of our lives, many of us have faced constraints imposed by the climate crisis and society’s expectations based on gender, race, and cultural backgrounds. These constraints often hinder us from realizing our full potential,” Kobusingye said, adding, “As a woman, I have felt the weight of such limitations, just as I have experienced the persistent climate change impacts exacerbated by racism that permeates our world. These are struggles that resonate with many, and we must continue our collective efforts to overcome them.”

Kobusingye is a member of Fridays for Future Africa and the founder of Climate Justice Africa.