environment 2 October 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Schools Spearhead Uganda's Reforestation Drive with 200,000-Tree Target
Ugandan schools are now at the forefront of the nation's battle against deforestation through the "Equity Green Schools Programme," an initiative aiming to plant and nurture 200,000 trees by 2027. The program engages students directly in environmental conservation, fostering a new generation of environmental stewards. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/schools-join-uganda-s-fight-against-deforestation-in-200-000-tree-drive-5618110
In a significant push to combat deforestation and its severe environmental consequences, Ugandan schools are actively participating in a nationwide tree-planting campaign. The “Equity Green Schools Programme,” a collaboration spearheaded by Equity Bank, has committed to planting and nurturing a remarkable 200,000 trees in educational institutions across the country by 2027.
This initiative seeks to transform students into dedicated environmental custodians. By involving learners directly in the hands-on process of planting and caring for trees, the program aims to instill a deep-rooted culture of environmental responsibility from a young age. The campaign was launched with the ambition of reversing Uganda’s declining forest cover and addressing the impacts of climate change, such as rising temperatures and extreme weather events.
Minister of Public Service, retired Gen. Edward Katumba Wamala, officially kicked off the program, emphasizing the crucial role of young people in environmental restoration. He urged for stronger enforcement against activities that degrade ecosystems and highlighted the need to protect the nation’s forests and wetlands. The launch saw the planting of approximately 3,000 trees at Nakanyonyi Senior Secondary School, marking a strong start to the ambitious goal.
Equity Bank’s Managing Director, Gift Shoko, explained that schools were chosen as focal points for the initiative because they are pivotal in shaping the values of future generations. “Schools shape the attitudes and values of future generations,” Shoko stated, underscoring the program’s aim to make climate action practical and foster a sense of ownership among students regarding their environment.
The program plans to establish school orchards and significantly contribute to Uganda’s national reforestation targets. This effort aligns with the government’s “Running Out of Trees (ROOTS)” campaign, which has seen millions of seedlings planted since 2019. Officials stressed that the success of such initiatives hinges on the survival and growth of the planted trees, moving beyond mere planting to genuine tree cultivation.
This collaboration between the private sector, educational institutions, and the government is seen as vital for achieving Uganda’s target of increasing forest cover to 24% by 2040. The trees planted today represent a living investment in a more sustainable and resilient future for Uganda.