Equity Bank Uganda, in collaboration with My Tree Initiative Uganda, has initiated the Equi Green Schools Programme, a comprehensive environmental effort aimed at planting, protecting, and nurturing 200,000 trees nationwide by December 2027. The program was officially launched on September 25, 2026, at Nakanyonyi Secondary School in Mukono District. During the launch, Equity Bank, My Tree Initiative, and other stakeholders joined students in planting 3,500 trees. This initiative is part of Equity Bank's broader environmental sustainability agenda.
The Equi Green Schools Programme will be implemented in two phases. The first phase, running until the end of 2026, targets 50,000 trees across 25 schools in 10 districts. The program will then be expanded in 2027, with an additional 150,000 trees expected to be planted through school orchards and other environmental conservation activities. This partnership builds on previous collaboration between Equity Bank and My Tree Initiative, including the planting of 1,500 trees at Kyasanku Hill College in Mpigi District.
Hon. Rtd. Gen. Katumba Wamala, Chief Planter and Minister for Public Service, commended Equity Bank Uganda and My Tree Initiative for their efforts in environmental conservation and addressing climate change. He emphasized the importance of restoring Uganda's environment, which has been severely disturbed. Katumba called on other private-sector players to emulate Equity Bank's initiative, describing it as a practical step towards environmental restoration.
Gift Shoko, Managing Director of Equity Bank Uganda, highlighted that the program is designed to give young people a direct role in protecting the environment. He stated that involving students in tree planting would help turn climate action into a practical experience that young people could understand and take ownership of. Shoko emphasized that economic transformation and environmental sustainability must go hand in hand.
Enjer Ashiraf, Executive Director of My Tree Initiative, welcomed the partnership, emphasizing that collaboration is essential in achieving meaningful environmental conservation. He noted that Equity Bank had previously supported the planting of 1,500 trees at Kyasanku Hill College and was now expanding its environmental efforts by involving students in hands-on conservation activities.
George Wateta, Head Teacher of Nakanyonyi Secondary School, described the program as a major milestone for the institution. He stated that engaging students in environmental restoration would nurture responsible citizens who appreciate the value of protecting nature. Wateta added that the trees planted through the program would provide a lasting environmental legacy for future generations of learners.
The Equi Green Schools Programme supports Equity Group's target of planting 35 million trees across East Africa under its Africa Recovery and Resilience Plan. Over the past five years, Equity Bank Uganda has supported the planting of more than 60,000 trees, provided over UGX 34 billion in climate financing, and supported more than 800 green enterprises to expand their businesses and contribute to sustainable community development.
Key points
- The program aims to plant 200,000 trees across Uganda by December 2027.
- The initiative will be implemented in two phases, with the first phase targeting 50,000 trees across 25 schools in 10 districts by the end of 2026.
- The program seeks to turn educational institutions into centers for climate education, biodiversity conservation, ecosystem restoration, and environmental stewardship.
