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Environmentalists have underscored the critical role of Green Clubs in schools as a practical way to teach students essential tree-care skills, such as watering, mulching, and pruning, aimed at fostering a commitment to environmental conservation.
The call came during the launch of the Schools Greening Program, a joint initiative by UAP Old Mutual and My Tree Initiative, designed to address Uganda’s environmental challenges.
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The program, which commenced at Kisaasi Muslim Secondary School, aims to plant 10,000 trees across ten schools nationwide, involving approximately 50,000 students in various conservation activities.
Ashiraf Enjer, Executive Director of My Tree Initiative, described the initiative as a necessary response to Uganda’s environmental degradation and an opportunity to instill green values in younger generations.
“Our goal is to inspire young generations by involving them directly in the planting process,” Enjer said at the launch event held at Sassi Museum Secondary School.
“We aim to create awareness among students so they can carry forward these practices and contribute to environmental conservation as they grow.”
Enjer noted that the campaign has already planted around 500,000 trees in schools, with plans for continued expansion.
As part of this effort, the partnership with Old Mutual is also setting up Green Clubs in schools to provide students with hands-on tree-care education, including watering, mulching, and pruning.
Patrick Kimathi, Managing Director of UAP Old Mutual Insurance, highlighted the company’s dedication to environmental preservation and sustainable development.
“This collaboration with My Tree Initiative allows us to invest in both the environment and future generations,” Kimathi said.
“Our goal is to green schools across Uganda, focusing on primary schools where we can instill these values early on.”
By equipping students with the knowledge and responsibility to care for the trees, the campaign aims to ensure long-term survival and growth.
Kimathi emphasised that the program aligns with Old Mutual’s mission to address climate change through meaningful community-based initiatives, adding, “Our goal is not only to plant trees but to make sure they thrive and have a lasting impact.”
Uganda is currently grappling with a severe environmental crisis marked by rapid deforestation and soil erosion, which threaten both the economy and food security.
According to the World Bank’s 2021 Uganda Economic Update, 41% of Uganda’s land is degraded, and the country loses an estimated 2.6% of its forest cover annually.
Environmental degradation costs Uganda over $9 million each year in lost ecosystem services, while climate change is projected to cause economic losses of up to $4.2 billion by 2025.
In response, UAP Old Mutual’s Schools Greening Program is focusing on planting indigenous, medicinal, and fruit trees to help restore degraded land and support ecosystem sustainability.
With Uganda losing nearly a third of its forest cover over the past two decades, programs like the Schools Greening Program are essential to preserving the country’s natural resources and securing livelihoods.
The initiative aims to inspire young Ugandans to take an active role in environmental conservation, reinforcing the idea that collective effort can drive positive change for Uganda’s environment and economy.
Through the Green Clubs and active student involvement, the campaign seeks to foster a generation of environmentally-conscious citizens who value and protect Uganda’s natural heritage.