KAMPALA, Uganda — Absa Bank Uganda, Rotary Uganda, and My Tree Initiative have launched a nationwide school greening programme aimed at promoting environmental conservation and climate change mitigation.
The programme, dubbed “Sustainable Growing of 120,000 Trees in Primary Schools,” seeks to engage 90,000 students in planting and nurturing 120,000 trees across 183 primary schools.
Speaking at the launch, Absa Bank Uganda Managing Director Mumba Kalifungwa emphasized the importance of collective action in addressing climate change.
“Addressing societal challenges like climate change requires a united front,” Kalifungwa said. “As Absa, our strong focus is to promote positive change within the communities we serve through impactful initiatives like this. We are excited to have this successful partnership branch out and expand our impact within the community.”
Kalifungwa added that addressing societal challenges like climate change calls for a united front with each of us having a vital role to play.
“As we focus on trees, we are excited to have this successful partnership branch out and expand our impact within the community. This is all a continuation of last year’s work with My Tree Initiative which already saw the restoration of over 3,500 acres of forestland. This translated to a 74% increase in student access to fruits and vegetables for better nutrition in a healthier environment.”
Rotary Uganda District Governor Anne Nkutu highlighted the organization’s commitment to environmental conservation.
“Rotary has seven areas of focus and protecting the environment is one of them,” Nkutu said. “We recognize that a healthy planet is critical for our existence and achievement of all our other goals. Our greening efforts in Uganda began in 2017 and we welcome collaboration with Private Sector companies which enables us to increase our impact.”
My Tree Initiative Executive Director Enjer Ashiraf thanked the partners for their support.
“Absa has supported us on engaging fellow young people to plant and care for trees for three years now and we are grateful to welcome our newest Partner, Rotary, on board,” Ashiraf said. “Together, we are integrating environmental education into school curriculums and nurturing future champions of our planet, engaging students in hands-on tree planting activities, improving their diet and creating a sustainable learning environment.”
The launch event took place at Namalere C/U Primary School in Kagoma, Wakiso District, where 3,000 trees were planted.
The partnership aims to promote environmental education and awareness, enhance biodiversity and ecosystem services, support climate change mitigation efforts, and empower local communities to take action.
The programme seeks to foster a culture of sustainability and responsibility.
The initiative builds on last year’s successful collaboration between Absa Bank and My Tree Initiative, which restored over 3,500 acres of forestland and increased student access to fruits and vegetables by 74%.
