VANESSA A
The Rukungiri District Forestry Department has launched a tree planting campaign targeting institutions, with the aim of conserving and preserving the environment. The launch took place at Makobore High School, marking the beginning of a wider initiative to increase forest cover across the district.
Speaking at the event, the Deputy Resident District Commissioner (RDC) of Rukungiri, Wilberforce Ahimbisibwe Ngoma, emphasized the importance of planting trees within institutions such as schools, churches, and local government facilities. He noted that apart from promoting environmental conservation, the trees would also provide shade for students, especially during the dry season, and help in controlling floods within school compounds.
Senior Forest Officer Arthur Twinomujuni said the tree planting initiative is part of a broader plan by the Chief Administrative Officer, Hajji Masokoyi Waswa Swalikh, to restore forest cover in Rukungiri District. He highlighted that trees play a critical role in meeting Uganda’s energy needs, particularly for firewood and charcoal, and that increasing tree cover is essential to addressing the challenge of deforestation in the country.
Makobore High School Headteacher Gad Arinaitwe Gakyibayo expressed gratitude to the district leadership for selecting the school to benefit from the initiative. He revealed that the school had received 1,100 eucalyptus tree seedlings, which will not only enhance the school’s environment but also reduce future costs on firewood. He nostalgically recalled how, in their earlier school days, students used to study under trees that were later cut down, adding that the newly planted trees will restore that lost natural heritage.
The tree planting campaign is expected to spread to various institutions throughout the district, contributing significantly to environmental conservation efforts in Rukungiri.
