Schools in Buyende District have been urged to embrace tree planting as a key measure in mitigating climate change, preserving the environment, and restoring the country’s depleted green cover.
The call was made by Gloria Namakula, the She Leads Lead Climate Change Officer, while launching the Girls Peer Mentors Greening Warriors Clubs at Innula Primary School on Thursday morning. The campaign targets 1,000 trees planted in homes and 500 in schools.
“We are happy to initiate the Green Warriors Clubs in schools as pioneer agents of climate change advocacy. The crisis is real, and both at school and home, we should preach the gospel of tree planting,” Namakula said.
She also called for the protection of girls by providing them with safe spaces and equal opportunities, noting that many are endangered by predators while searching for firewood.
Emma Bala, a She Leads advocate from Plan International, underscored the importance of the campaign in light of growing scarcity of firewood, widespread charcoal burning, rising natural disasters, and unreliable weather patterns.
“We are taking the right steps in restoring forest cover, conserving biodiversity, and promoting reafforestation. It is time we all embraced, popularized, and practically engaged in this work,” Bala said.
The initiative also won praise from Bugaya Sub-county Community Development Officer, Edrin Kitimbo, who described school children as vital partners in ensuring long-term sustainability of tree planting.
“Schools used to have Young Farmers’ Clubs, and since they already teach lessons on erosion, climate change, and afforestation, they remain the perfect target for practical learning and passing these skills on to their homes,” Kitimbo noted.
He encouraged schools to establish woodlots for firewood, plant tree windbreakers, and develop fruit orchards to promote both nutrition and environmental conservation.
For pupils, the initiative is a source of pride. Rachel Mukyala, the head prefect and leader of the Green Warriors Club, pledged that children would not only plant trees at school but also take the campaign to their homes.
“Take it from us, the Green Warriors. We have time, energy, and eagerness to plant trees that will give us nutrition, income, and peace. Above all, we will put into practice what we learn in climate and environmental lessons,” Mukyala said.
At the launch, 123 trees—including fruit trees, soil conservation trees, and cover trees—were planted in the school compound.
Each of the 123 Green Warriors also received five seedlings to plant at home, marking the beginning of the campaign.
