By Kabuye Ronald
My Tree Initiative MTI, in collaboration with UAP Old Mutual, has launched an ambitious Schools Greening Program on Thursday at Kisaasi Muslim Secondary School
Enjer Ashiraf, the Executive Director of My Tree Initiative This initiative, said the project is one of the critical step in addressing Uganda’s environmental challenges since their target is to plant 10,000 indigenous, medicinal, and fruit trees across 10 schools in Uganda, engaging approximately 50,000 students in conservation activities.
Ashiraf said in order to ensure the growth of the plants they establish Green clubs in the schools where they plant the trees. The members of green clubs are extensively sensitized about the importance of tree planting and conserving the environment and then charged with the responsibility of taking care of the trees and liaising with them in case of anything.
“When students actively participate in planting and caring for trees, they learn first-hand the importance of environmental stewardship. Each tree planted represents a commitment to biodiversity, soil health, and a sustainable future for Uganda,” said Enjer Ashiraf,
Patrick Kimathi, the Managing Director Old Mutual Life Assurance said the program is part of UAP Old Mutual’s larger commitment to sustainability, recognizing environmental conservation as essential for economic stability and societal well-being.
“With Uganda’s economy and livelihoods heavily reliant on natural resources, UAP Old Mutual continues to be an active force in environmental sustainability. We believe that addressing climate risk is both a responsibility and a necessity for businesses.
Through this program, we are contributing to the preservation of Uganda’s natural resources, supporting a sustainable future for our communities and the economy.” stated Patrick Kimathi
Uganda faces significant environmental degradation, with alarming rates of deforestation and soil erosion that threaten not only the economy but also food security and poverty reduction. Statistics from the Uganda Economic Update by the World Bank Group in 2021 revealed that over 41% of Uganda’s land was degraded, with the country losing approximately 2.6% of its forest cover each year one of the highest rates globally. These environmental challenges were estimated to cost Uganda over $9 million in lost ecosystem services annually. Climate risks only compound the impact, with projected economic losses between $2.3 to $4.2 billion by 2025 due to reduced agricultural productivity, water shortages, and diminished exports.
UAP Old Mutual dedication to sustainability extends beyond this initiative. Over the past three years, the company has contributed to the planting of 20,000 trees in Mabira Forest and the Albertine region and donated nearly 40,000 seedlings. These actions align with a broader strategy to address Africa’s disproportionate exposure to nature-related risks and the need for African financial institutions to respond effectively to the continent’s vulnerability to environmental challenges.
“Nature is a critical enabler of our economy, and conserving it is integral to our corporate strategy. As a financial institution, we are committed to incorporating sustainable practices that not only protect Uganda’s natural resources but also ensure long-term economic growth,” added Patrick Kimathi.
Namuli Joweria Gumira, the Director of Studies at Kisaasi Muslim Secondary school thanked the organizers for giving them the opportunity to host the launch of the program.
Namuli said the campaign has reenergized them to put more efforts in championing tree planting to not only conserve the environment but also beautify their compound thus causing a lasting impact on the entire community and the planet at large.
Africa’s wealth, as derived substantially from natural resources, is depleting. Over the past two decades, Uganda alone has lost nearly a third of its forest cover, posing a threat to livelihoods and the economy. With over 70% of sub-Saharan Africa’s population reliant on forests for their livelihoods according to the Program on Forests (PROFOR), which is a partnership program that provides knowledge, tools and in-depth analysis to facilitate environmental sustainability, environmental initiatives like MTI and UAP Old Mutual’s Schools Greening Program are critical to fostering a sustainable future.
This program aims to drive environmental sustainability and inspire young Ugandans to take an active role in environmental conservation, demonstrating that collective effort can effect positive change.
