By Charles Katabalwa
National
My Tree Initiative, in partnership with Absa Bank Uganda, has launched an ambitious project to plant and protect 300,000 trees in 300 schools across Eastern Uganda by 2024. The initiative aims to combat climate change, promote environmental education, and create greener school campuses. This program comes in response to the drastic loss of forest cover in Uganda over the years, with millions of hectares being lost to deforestation.
The project launch, held at Najjembe COU Primary School in Mabira, brought together government officials, development partners, and stakeholders who highlighted the importance of environmental conservation in Uganda’s sustainable development journey. Minister for Vice Presidency, Hon. Diana Mutasingwa, praised the initiative for instilling a sense of responsibility in students and aligning with national climate action goals.
ABSA Bank Uganda’s Marketing Director, Ms. Helen Nangonzi, emphasized the bank’s commitment to sustainability and the importance of teaching young people to care for the environment.
UN Women Deputy Country Representative, Ms. Adekemi Ndieli also highlighted the impact of climate change on women and girls, emphasizing the need for environmental conservation and gender equality.
My Tree Initiative’s Executive Director, Enjer Ashiraf, expressed gratitude for ABSA Bank Uganda’s partnership in promoting environmental education and engaging students in tree planting activities. He noted that the program aims to integrate environmental education into school curriculums, empower future generations to be environmental champions, and improve access to fruits and vegetables for students.
He also noted that this initiative follows the success of last year’s Schools Greening Program, where over 165,000 trees were planted in schools across districts, leading to increased youth participation and steady tree growth and MyTree Initiative and ABSA Bank Uganda’s partnership signifies a commitment to environmental sustainability, community engagement, and education for a greener future in Uganda.
