By
Denis Kasule Ssebunya
In an ambitious move to protect and restore biodiversity, a total of 10,000 trees are set to be grown in up to 10 selected schools nationwide. The initiative, known as the Schools Greening Program, will engage up to 5,000 students in environmental conservation efforts, representing a major step in addressing Uganda’s climate change challenges and promoting environmental awareness among young Ugandans and school communities.
The program is a joint effort between My Tree Initiative, an environmental organization, and UAP Old Mutual Insurance Company. Speaking at the program’s launch at Kisaasi Muslim Secondary School, Patrick Kimathi, the Managing Director of Old Mutual Life Assurance, emphasized that environmental protection is everyone’s responsibility.
He encouraged stakeholders to take part in conservation efforts, stating, “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.”
Kimathi added, “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.” Through the program, various indigenous, medicinal, and fruit trees will be restored on degraded land, directly contributing to ecosystem sustainability and resilience.
He further highlighted UAP Old Mutual’s long-standing commitment to environmental efforts, noting that over the past three years, the company has contributed to the planting of 20,000 trees in Uganda’s Mabira Forest and the Albertine region, while also donating 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,” Kimathi said.
Reaffirming the company’s dedication to sustainability, Kimathi explained that environmental conservation is essential for both 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,” he added.
My Tree Initiative’s Executive Director, Enjer Ashiraf, expressed gratitude for the partnership with UAP Old Mutual and elaborated on the purpose of the Schools Greening Program. “The main aim of this program is to integrate environmental education into the school curriculum, engage students in hands-on tree planting activities, improve their diet, and educate, empower, and support future generations to become champions of our planet,” he stated.
Uganda faces severe environmental degradation, marked by high rates of deforestation and soil erosion that endanger not only the country’s economy but also its food security and efforts to alleviate poverty. According to the Uganda Economic Update by the World Bank Group in 2021, over 41% of Uganda’s land is degraded, with the country losing approximately 2.6% of its forest cover annually—one of the highest deforestation rates globally. These environmental challenges are estimated to cost Uganda more than $9 million in lost ecosystem services each year. Climate risks only intensify these impacts, with projected economic losses between $2.3 and $4.2 billion by 2025, driven by reduced agricultural productivity, water shortages, and diminished exports.
The Schools Greening Program aims to drive environmental sustainability by inspiring young Ugandans to take an active role in conservation. The program seeks to demonstrate how collective effort can foster positive change and contribute to a greener, more resilient future for Uganda.
The benefiting schools are Kisaasi Muslim SSS, Highland SSS, Takuba Primary School, St. Joseph’s Girls SS, Nsambya, and Kyambogo Primary School from Kampala district. The others are Mwiri Primary School, St. Stephen’s SSS, and Wanyange Girl’s SSS from Jinja district. Then Wii Oworanga Primary School, and Oroko Secondary School from Gulu district.
