Visitors entering St. Kizito Primary School, Kiteredde in Kyotera are now welcomed by a vibrant display of urban agriculture: neatly fenced plots filled with sacks of rich soil sprouting healthy cabbages.
This initiative, which began as a simple school project, has become a symbol of environmental action and youth empowerment under the new Green Schools Initiative introduced by the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) in partnership with Rotary International.
According to the Head Teacher of St. Kizito Primary School, Rev. Bro. Patrick Mukhwana, the effort was spearheaded by Rev. Bro. Opio, a teacher committed to greening the school environment through practical urban farming.
“I appreciate Brother Opio, who introduced urban farming with simple vegetables like cabbage and sukuma wiki,” Mukhwana said.
“Greening requires reducing plastic waste, so we restored old dustbins for proper waste management. After training the students, we encourage them to take these practices home to green both the school and their communities.”
St. Kizito Primary School has now been selected as one of the first beneficiaries of the Green Schools Initiative, a programme targeting schools and communities along the EACOP pipeline route. The initiative promotes environmental protection, sustainable energy use, improved waste management, and healthier lifestyles.
The Managing Director at EACOP, John Bosco Habumugisha, emphasized the organisation’s commitment to nurturing environmental responsibility.
“We are implementing green schooling in districts along the pipeline so that communities understand the importance of greening,” he said.
“This includes solar power installation, tree planting, and working closely with local communities. Our minimum target is to have at least one model Green School in every pipeline district.”
He added that sustainability must extend beyond buildings and infrastructure.
“True sustainability is about people—especially young children who will inherit and shape the future of our country and planet.”
Kyotera Resident District Commissioner, Apollo Mugume, applauded the initiative, noting that shaping children’s attitudes is key to long-term environmental protection.
“Children are custodians of the planet. The trees they plant, the gardens they keep, and the lessons they learn today will shape a healthier and greener Uganda tomorrow. If you see something harmful being done to the environment, even by your parents, remind them. Each one of you is an ambassador,” he said.
Kyotera LC5 Chairperson Agnes Gyaviira also highlighted the wider goal of raising climate-resilient citizens who value Uganda’s rich natural resources.
“It is worrying that Africa has vast water resources yet makes limited use of them. By teaching children how to harvest and store rainwater using simple household tools, they can go home and help their families adopt better practices,” she said.
Gyaviira also underscored the link between environmental choices and public health, noting the rising burden of lifestyle-related illnesses.
“Prevention starts with simple choices: natural foods, physical activity, and avoiding harmful habits. Many young people now prefer junk food, yet organic traditional vegetables such as nakati, ensuga, bbugga, and ejjobyo kept our grandparents strong. Reviving these foods strengthens our health, environment, and resilience,” she said.
The Green Schools Initiative is expected to expand across all districts along the EACOP route, promoting environmental stewardship among young learners and strengthening community participation in sustainable development