Leaders, environmentalists, and students in Rukungiri District joined forces to plant trees at St Raphael Secondary School in Ruhinda Sub-county as part of District Forest Day celebrations, ahead of the International Day of Forests on March 21.
The tree-planting initiative, organized by Good Forests Foundation Uganda (GFFU), provided the school with a variety of tree species aimed at promoting environmental conservation and fostering sustainable practices within the community.
St Raphael’s Headteacher, John Bekunda, expressed gratitude to GFFU, emphasizing that the trees will play a crucial role in preserving the school’s environment for future generations.
James Tembo, GFFU’s Country Director, outlined the foundation’s work, which includes distributing free tree seedlings to farmers, promoting nationwide tree conservation, and raising environmental awareness. “I encourage residents to engage in tree planting and afforestation. Trees are vital for human survival,” Tembo said.
Rukungiri District Senior Forest Officer, Arthur Twinomujuni, lauded GFFU for partnering with the government to advance environmental conservation. “I urge the public to collaborate with authorities for sustainable environmental management and improved livelihoods, and I warn against cutting trees without replacing them,” he noted.
Deputy Chief Administrative Officer Hillary Agaba highlighted that celebrating the International Day of Forests through hands-on initiatives like tree planting is vital for empowering local communities and building a culture of environmental stewardship.