The Green Zone Launch: A World Earth Day 2025 Celebration of Creativity, Clean Energy, and Climate Action

Nelly Salvatore
Apr 22
4 min read

Updated: May 31

On April 22nd, 2025, Green Lens International launched the Green Zone at Yujo Izakaya Restaurant in honor of World Earth Day, aligning with the global theme “Our Power, Our Planet.” The vibrant celebration spotlighted the critical role of renewable energy in tackling climate change and brought together environmental professionals, entrepreneurs, creatives, students, policymakers, and activists for a day of connection, learning, and collective climate action.

*Naava Grey, fellow performers, and Green Zone organizers join together to cut the cake in celebration of World Earth Day and the successful launch of the Green Zone.*

The event was organized in collaboration with the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development (MEMD) and supported by key partners including the National Renewable Energy Platform (NREP), Yujo Izakaya Restaurant, Roofings Group, Mixar Solutions, Banange Brewing Company, Greenwatch, the African Climate Reality Project, Karaoke Junction 256, NRG 106.5 FM Uganda, and Akvo International.

A dynamic storytelling panel, moderated by Justine Akumu from MEMD, featured clean energy experts including Owiny Hakim of Ebee, Victor Kazimiri of Akvo International, Ruth Komuntale from ECOCA East Africa, Jackie Bazimudde of Zembo e-mobility, and Ucha David of Detra Energy and Environmental Contractors. Panelists shared practical insights on clean energy innovations such as electric pressure cookers, solar cooking, biogas, and modern biomass stoves — all designed to transform the way communities access energy.

*From right to left: Jackie Bazimudde of Zembo e-Mobility, Hakim Owiny of Ebee, and storytelling panel host Justine Akumu from the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development.*

Attendees engaged directly with climate-smart technologies through live demonstrations of ECOCA solar cookers, electric pressure cookers, modern biomass cookstoves, and Ebee electric bicycles. The hands-on experiences gave participants a real feel of how clean energy can seamlessly fit into daily life. Guests were invited to cook using these technologies, with Patience Logose showcasing the ECOCA solar cooker, while Miss Tourism Karamoja, Ms. Akidi Racheal, and poet Loretta Kansiime prepared meals using electric pressure cookers, demonstrating their ease, efficiency, and practicality.

*Patience Logose of NRG Radio engages with the ECOCA team, led by Ms. Ruth Komuntale, to learn how the ECOCA solar cooker operates.*

An array of exhibitors added to the energy of the day, with ECO Stoves ECOCA East Africa, Proxima Cards, Detra Energy and Environmental Contractors, Ebee, Banange Brewing Company, and Purifaaya-SPOUTS of Water Limited presenting a wide range of locally-driven climate-conscious innovations. These displays highlighted the critical role of homegrown solutions in building Uganda’s green economy and scaling sustainable development.

Bringing youthful energy and inspiration to the event, Little Martina — a Primary Five student — captivated the audience with her original song. Her lyrics resonated with all:“If we wanna make it better, we only have to conserve our nature. Go green, plant more trees, keep the plastics out of streams.”With passionate conviction, she reminded the crowd,“We are the last generation that can make a change. Let’s unite and rearrange.”Her performance was a moving call to action and a reminder that the voices of the youth are essential to shaping a greener future.

*Martina delivers her original environmental song during the Green Zone event, captivating the audience with a powerful message on conservation and climate action.*

The event was hosted by comedian Uncle Mark and Patience Logose of NRG Radio, who created a lively, welcoming atmosphere that perfectly blended fun with purpose. Musical performances by Naava Grey and the Afromenco Band energized the crowd, while spoken word poetry brought depth and reflection.

Mitch Isabirye delivered a thought-provoking performance:“Let me be the spark that ignites the fire that would make you think twice before you ignite that firewood. Let me be the spark that gaslights you into gas lighting as you prepare your next meal.”His message challenged the audience to rethink their energy habits and embrace clean cooking.

*Loretta Kansiime delivers her powerful poem “Mama Berna”, evoking the everyday struggles of women impacted by traditional cooking methods and calling for urgent adoption of clean energy solutions.*

Loretta Kansiime’s heartfelt poem “Mama Berna” spoke to the health impacts of traditional cooking methods and the promise of clean energy. Angel Kabera added powerful reflections on nature, womanhood, and resilience, celebrating the leadership of youth and women in the climate movement.,

*Naava Grey performs live at the Green Zone alongside the Afromenco Band, blending soulful vocals with vibrant rhythms to celebrate climate action through music.*

In her closing remarks, Justine Akumu emphasized the importance of inclusive access to clean energy and applauded the innovation and local ingenuity behind many of the technologies showcased — most of which are designed or assembled in Uganda.

Summing up the spirit of the day, Nelson Byanyima, Founder of Green Lens International, shared:“I realized that most people in our sector don’t often get the chance to network, collaborate, and have fun. That’s why we created the Green Zone — to learn, connect, and celebrate climate action in a way that’s engaging and inclusive.”

*Nelson Byanyima, Founder of Green Lens International, delivers his speech, highlighting the importance of creativity, connection, and community in advancing climate action.*

The Green Zone launch was more than just an event — it was a bold, joyful, and collaborative call to climate action. By weaving together technical knowledge, storytelling, artistic expression, and lived experience, Green Lens International and its partners are reimagining how we engage the public and inspire lasting change toward a more sustainable future.

Watch Video Highlights here;