Uganda is gearing up for the fifth edition of the Run4Climate, a national campaign event scheduled for Sunday, June 29, 2025, at the Hockey Grounds in Lugogo.
Held under the theme “Our Environment, Our Future,” the event continues its mission of raising awareness on climate change and funding tree planting efforts across the country.
Run4Climate is the flagship public event of the Running Out of Trees (ROOTS) campaign, a government-led initiative under the Ministry of Water and Environment.
ROOTS aims to plant 40 million trees annually, symbolizing one tree for every Ugandan citizen.
Since its inception in 2020, the run has gained national momentum, with previous editions held in 2020, 2022, 2023, and 2024 registering both growing participation and significant environmental impact.
From planting 30,000 trees in Bududa in 2020 to restoring degraded landscapes in Luweero, Kumi, and Nakaseke with 60,000, 100,000, and 140,000 trees respectively in the following years, the initiative has proven to be more than symbolic.
"Uganda has lost over 41% of its forest cover between 1921 and 2021," organizers said.
"The current forest cover stands at only 12.4%, down from 54% in 1900, signaling a national ecological crisis that demands urgent collective action."
Beyond tree planting, funds from the run have also supported environmental education in schools. In 2024 alone, the initiative reached over 20 schools in Iganga and 12 in Kampala, empowering students with the knowledge and tools to promote environmental sustainability from the grassroots.
Participation in Run4Climate has steadily increased—from 400 runners in 2020 to over 1,000 in recent editions, reflecting the growing public urgency and enthusiasm to combat climate change.
A running kit for this year’s event costs Shs25,000, available at Tree Adoption Uganda offices on Sir Apollo Kaggwa Road (opposite Stabex Petrol Station), or at Guardian Health Pharmacies in Ntinda, Naalya, Acacia, and Wandegeya.
Payments can be made via:
- MTN MoMo – Merchant Code: 170760
- Airtel Money – Merchant Code: 4335850
- Bank Transfer – Centenary Bank, Mapeera Branch, A/C No: 3100021832 (Tree Adoption Uganda)
Confirmed partners include Next Media, Guardian Health Pharmacy, Purifaaya, Stanbic Bank, Centenary Bank, TotalEnergies, Ecomatcher, C-Care IHK, and the Ministry of Water and Environment.
With the countdown underway, organizers are calling on the public to lace up their sneakers not just for fitness, but for a greener and more resilient Uganda.