By Kabuye Ronald
My Tree Initiative (MTI), in collaboration with ABSA Bank and the Rotary Club, has launched an ambitious project to plant 120,000 indigenous, medicinal, and fruit trees across Uganda this year. The initiative was officially kicked off at Namalere Mixed Secondary School in Kagoma, Wakiso district.
During the launch, Enjer Ashiraf, Executive Director of MTI, outlined the plan to engage 90,000 students from 180 primary schools in understanding the importance of environmental conservation and tree planting.
“This initiative not only aims to plant trees but also to educate the younger generation about their role in protecting our planet,” Ashiraf emphasized.
The partnership with the Rotary Club is seen as instrumental due to its extensive volunteer network, while ABSA Bank is providing essential financial backing for the project.
Mumba Kalifungwa, Managing Director of ABSA Bank, highlighted that this effort is part of a larger goal to plant over three million trees in three years, building on their collaboration with MTI initiated last year running up to 2025.
“Tree planting is vital for environmental protection and sustainability,” Kalifungwa noted, stressing that this initiative serves to secure a better future for the community. He encouraged everyone to take an interest in environmental preservation for the benefit of future generations.
“ABSA is engaged in tree planting as one of our pillars of citizen agenda of playing a sharping role in the society which calls for supporting initiatives that have a positive impact on environment that we operate in and participating in this particular project underscores the importance that we place on protecting the environment.” Said Mumba
Rotary Club District 19213 Governor Anne Nkutu reiterated the significance of environmental stewardship. “Everything we do relies on a healthy environment,” she said. “If we fail to protect it, we jeopardize our ability to achieve our goals. We have one planet, and it’s our duty to preserve it.”
Former legislator in the East African Legislative Assembly and Constituent Assembly also former Rotary District 19213 Governor Mike Kennedy Sebalu urged everyone to participate by planting their own trees. He called for greater involvement from community leaders and school management to ensure the project has a direct and positive impact on local communities.
Hussein Walakira, Headmaster of Namalere Mixed Secondary School, expressed gratitude for the initiative, recognizing its timely relevance in combating deforestation. “Africa is becoming a desert due to deforestation, and this initiative is crucial in our efforts to make Africa green again,” he stated.
The project not only aims to enhance Uganda’s green cover but also to instill a sense of environmental responsibility among the youth, fostering a sustainable future for all.
