By Kabuye Ronald
Just days following President Yoweri Museveni’s launch of an environmental protection campaign at Kitebi Senior Secondary School in Rubaga Division, Kampala district on April 19th, aiming to plant over a million trees nationwide, the initiative has now extended to the West Nile region.
The endeavor is a focal mandate of the newly established National Patriotism Environmental Protection campaign, spearheaded by Hellen Seku, Commissioner of the National Patriotism Corps Secretariat. The objective is clear: to oversee the planting of a minimum of one million trees across 18 designated zones in the country by year-end.
As the chief guest, Seku embarked on a tour of several schools, engaging with regional and school leaders to strategize on optimal environmental conservation methods.
Geoffrey Okiswa, the Resident District Commissioner (RDC), lauded the project’s arrival, emphasizing the region’s urgent need for environmental rehabilitation. He disclosed plans to distribute 4000 seedlings procured from the National Forestry Authority (NFA), with further intentions to collaborate with the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) to introduce a variety of fruit trees.
However, amidst the environmental drive, concerns were raised by West Nile leaders regarding the alarming rates of underage sexual activity in the region. Jacob Walega, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer of Arua district, condemned the prevalence of such incidents, citing weekly reports of ten cases of rape and the consequences of late-night discos on youth behavior.
Seku, also serving as the presidential private secretary on youth affairs, delivered a poignant message to students, emphasizing academic dedication and discipline. She implored them to actively participate in tree planting initiatives both at school and home, highlighting the dual benefits of environmental protection and economic prosperity through fruit-bearing trees.
Moreover, Seku addressed the pressing issue of sexual promiscuity among youths, stressing the imperative of collective action to combat unplanned pregnancies, HIV/AIDS, and early school dropout rates. She called upon stakeholders at all levels to unite in safeguarding the nation’s youth from these pervasive threats, advocating for a concerted effort to eradicate harmful practices such as early marriages.
In her impassioned plea, Seku underscored the necessity of instilling values of education, discipline, and environmental stewardship among Uganda’s youth, envisioning a future where prosperity and integrity prevail over adversity and vice.
