In a proactive step towards environmental sustainability and economic development, the Abasoga Nseete Students Association from Uganda Christian University (UCU) main campus recently visited Victoria Nile Primary School and Lwanda High School in Jinja City to plant fruit trees.
Under the guidance of Owek. Yafesi Bairukireki, Chairperson of the Busoga Kingdom Youth Council, the initiative reflects a commitment to the Kyabazinga’s vision for a greener and more prosperous Busoga.
Led by Ruth Kizige, Abraham Kamali, and Patience Musasizi, the UCU students brought a diverse selection of saplings, including mangoes, avocados, and jackfruit, as well as other shade-providing compound trees.
The selection was carefully considered, aiming to provide both environmental benefits and future economic opportunities for the schools and their surrounding communities.
Key to the project’s long-term success is the involvement of school environmental clubs. “We worked with the environment clubs in the different schools who promised to ensure that the trees grow,” confirmed Kizige, a dedicated climate activist.
This partnership empowers students to take ownership of the initiative and fosters a sense of environmental responsibility.
The project is deeply rooted in the vision of the Kyabazinga. “We’re motivated by the Kyabazinga youth agenda and we’re responding to the Kyabazinga’s 10th coronation speech where he encouraged people to plant trees,” explained Patience Musasizi, one of the student leaders.
The initiative aims to inspire a generation that understands the importance of environmental conservation in the face of climate change.
“Our mission is to raise a generation that understands the impact of climate change and how important it is for people to conserve the environment through tree planting,” Abraham Kamali said.
Beyond environmental sustainability, the Busoga Kingdom Youth Council envisions the trees as powerful tools for economic empowerment. Bairukireki highlighted the potential for poverty eradication, stating, “The trees are a strong tool for poverty eradication. They create favorable weather conditions for farming, where people can grow food for both sale and home consumption. They also act as a natural filter for our underground water making borehole water safer.”
The council’s goal is to cultivate a widespread culture of tree planting amongst the Basoga people, particularly among the youth. “We encourage every Musoga, especially the youths, to take part in tree planting,” Bairukireki urged.
He also expressed gratitude to the school administrations for their support and reiterated the council’s commitment to expanding the initiative to more schools, churches, and community spaces across the kingdom.
The initiative was met with enthusiastic responses from the schools. Livingstone Mbago, Head Teacher of Victoria Nile Primary School, expressed his gratitude for the trees and commended the students for their proactive engagement in the development of Busoga. He assured the council that Victoria Nile has ample land to accommodate many more trees.
Similarly, Mathias Wakasenzaali, Director of Lwanda High School, praised the initiative and encouraged the students to maintain their environmental commitment.
Robert, the president of the environmental club at Lwanda High School, further solidified this pledge by promising diligent care for the newly planted trees.
The Busoga Kingdom Youth Council’s tree planting initiative represents a significant step towards a greener and more prosperous future for Busoga.
By engaging the youth and fostering a sense of responsibility towards the environment, the council is planting not just trees, but the seeds of lasting change.
