Ubuntu and African Social Movements: Local and International Coalitions for Environmental and Climate Justice in Kenya and Uganda

This chapter examines the environmental and climate movements in Kenya and Uganda, emerging in response to the impacts of extractivism, environmental degradation, and climate change. These movements are deeply rooted in the historical context of colonial land-use changes that displaced Indigenous communities and disrupted the communal values of Ubuntu, a philosophy that emphasizes collective responsibility and respect for the environment. Despite the rise of large-scale development projects in the post-colonial era that continue to marginalize communities and threaten ecosystems, activism for environmental justice in East Africa has grown. This chapter explores how activists in Kenya and Uganda use a combination of public awareness campaigns, coalitions, and protests to challenge environmental injustices, while also critiquing the limitations of traditional social movement theories derived from European and North American contexts. Drawing on qualitative research, including interviews with East African youth activists, the chapter illustrates the political context, the role of local and international coalitions, and the significance of African values like Ubuntu in shaping the fight for climate justice. Finally, it discusses how partnerships between local and international actors can be structured to more effectively support these movements.