The Rotary Club of Bulindo, in partnership with Centenary Bank and the National Forestry Authority (NFA), has embarked on a tree planting exercise at St. Kizito Primary School in Galamba, Kavule Parish, located in Gombe Division, Nansana Municipality, Wakiso District.
A total of 1,000 trees are being planted within the school and the nearby Catholic Church community, a move that marks a significant milestone in the club’s ongoing environmental conservation efforts.
Speaking at the launch event, Pamela Nyakairu Ruharo, the Assistant Governor of Rotary District 9213 and chief planter of the day, applauded Rotary Bulindo and the school for their shared commitment to restoring nature.
“Planting trees is one of the things I love most. Environmental conservation is Rotary's seventh area of focus globally, and we take it seriously,” she said.
“Through tree planting and other initiatives, we are addressing climate change and protecting our future.”
She urged local leaders—especially religious leaders—to carry the message forward and encourage their communities to embrace a tree planting culture.
"Let this message go beyond this event. Religious and community leaders should preach environmental conservation in churches and gatherings for the good of our children and generations to come."
Ruharo also called on students to become change agents within their homes and communities.
“Go home and teach your parents and peers the importance of planting trees. Care for the trees you’ve planted here because they are now part of your legacy,” she added.
Rotary Bulindo President Percy Lubega described the 1,000-tree planting campaign as a major step in the club’s ongoing mission to restore Uganda’s depleted forest cover.
“We are grateful to St. Kizito Primary School and the Catholic Church community for embracing this initiative. Today marks the beginning of something impactful. It’s encouraging to see the children not only participate but also understand the importance of what we are doing,” Lubega said.
He urged school administrators and church leaders to protect the trees and promised rewards for students who help ensure their survival.
“Environmental destruction has long-term consequences. If we don’t act now, the burden will fall on our children. The diseases we face today are often rooted in environmental degradation,” he warned.
Dan Alot, a sustainability specialist at Centenary Bank, praised the collaboration and highlighted the bank’s dedication to green initiatives.
“This year alone, Centenary Bank has planted 70,000 trees in partnership with Rotary clubs across the country. We remain committed to supporting environmental stewardship,” Alot said.
Representing the school, Annet Namugenyi, the head teacher, expressed her appreciation to Rotary Bulindo for selecting St. Kizito for the campaign.
“Our school, founded in 1923 and currently government-aided under the Catholic Church, has 315 learners. Despite our enthusiasm for the environment, we face several infrastructure challenges—including lack of a staff room and worn-out buildings,” she said.
“We appeal to well-wishers for further support.”
Mr. Charles Lugonvu, head of the Catholic community in Galamba, commended the Rotarians for their dedication to environmental causes.
He pledged the community’s full cooperation in nurturing and safeguarding the trees.
According to Global Forest Watch, Uganda loses approximately 120,000 hectares of forest annually equivalent to about 43 football fields every hour. This alarming rate is largely driven by unsustainable charcoal and firewood use.