Equity Bank Uganda and My Tree Initiative Uganda have launched the Equi Green Schools Programme, a partnership aimed at planting 200,000 trees across Ugandan schools by December 2027. The initiative began with the planting of 3,500 trees at Nakanyonyi Secondary School in Mukono district. This program is part of Equity Group's regional target to plant 35 million trees across East Africa under its Africa Recovery and Resilience Plan. The partnership seeks to involve students directly in conservation efforts.
The Equi Green Schools Programme will be implemented in two phases. The first phase, set to conclude by the end of this year, will cover 50,000 trees across 25 schools in 10 districts. The second phase will see the remaining 150,000 trees planted in 2027 through school orchards. This initiative follows an earlier partnership between Equity Bank and My Tree Initiative, which resulted in the planting of 1,500 trees at Kyasanku Hill College in Mpigi district.
The launch of the program on September 25 was attended by Rtd. Gen. Katumba Wamala, minister for Public Service. He called on the private sector to support similar environmental initiatives, emphasizing the importance of protecting the environment. Wamala noted that the environment has been severely disturbed, leading to extreme weather conditions. As the patron of My Tree Initiative, he encouraged other private sector companies to emulate Equity Bank's efforts.
Gift Shoko, managing director of Equity Bank Uganda, highlighted the significance of involving students directly in tree planting. He stated that the program aims to turn climate action into something tangible for young people, allowing them to take ownership of conservation efforts. By engaging students in hands-on planting, the program seeks to make climate education more accessible and impactful.
My Tree Initiative executive director Enjer Ashiraf noted that the bank had already supported the planting of 1,500 trees at Kyasanku Hill College. The current program builds on this partnership, with a focus on engaging students in conservation efforts. Ashiraf emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts in addressing environmental challenges.
Nakanyonyi Secondary School head teacher George Wateta welcomed the launch of the program at his school, calling it a significant milestone. The program supports the school's efforts to promote environmental conservation and provide students with practical experience in tree planting and ecosystem restoration. By working through schools, the initiative aims to address deforestation and promote sustainable practices at the community level.
Uganda's forest cover has declined significantly over recent decades, from 24 per cent to below 9 per cent, due to deforestation, agricultural expansion, and unsustainable practices. The Equi Green Schools Programme seeks to address this loss by turning classrooms into centres for climate education and ecosystem restoration. By 2027, the program aims to have planted 200,000 trees across Ugandan schools, contributing to a broader effort to protect the environment and promote sustainable development.
Key points
- The program aims to plant 200,000 trees across Ugandan schools by 2027.
- The initiative is part of Equity Group's regional target to plant 35 million trees across East Africa.
- The program seeks to involve students directly in conservation efforts and promote environmental education.
