Delivering her message through the Minister for Kampala Affairs, Hajjat Minsa Kabanda, Nabbanja made the remarks while launching a youth marathon in Greater Kampala at St Joseph’s Church, Nansana.
She said the government’s efforts to promote environmental conservation would only succeed if citizens actively participated.
“We must all take responsibility for preserving our environment because it supports our nation’s wellbeing,” Nabbanja said in her message delivered by Minister Kabanda. “Let us plant trees and avoid activities that destroy nature.”
Minister Kabanda also urged children and youth to uphold good morals and live disciplined lives guided by faith. “Religion is the foundation of our nation,” she said.
“We need young people who are obedient, respectful, and God-fearing to build Uganda’s future.”
The Minister for Works and Transport, Gen. Katumba Wamala, condemned indiscriminate garbage dumping, particularly in drainage channels, noting that such habits contribute to flooding and hinder environmental protection efforts.
“Protecting the environment is everyone’s responsibility,” he said. “Let us stop littering and take pride in keeping our communities clean.”
Isaac Ssali Keith, representing the Nansana leadership, appealed to government agencies to strengthen coordination in urban planning, saying many of the trees previously planted in the area had been destroyed by developers.
“Many of the trees that were planted have been cut down,” he said. “This is putting our environment at risk. We need stronger cooperation to protect what remains.”
Fr. Dominic Mwebe, the head of St. Joseph’s Church, Nansana, urged Ugandans to value and protect trees for their vital contribution to human life and the planet.
“We should respect nature, especially trees, because they give us so many good things,” he said.
The event aimed to mobilise young people to take a leading role in environmental conservation, with leaders saying a clean and green Uganda begins with personal responsibility and community action.
