On October 6, Uganda celebrated its annual National Tree Planting Day, an initiative led by the Ministry of Water and Environment in collaboration with various private sector partners, including Uganda Breweries Limited, Stanbic Bank Uganda, ABSA, Roofings, and TotalEnergies EP Uganda. The campaign, known as Running Out Of Trees (ROOTS), aims to address deforestation by planting one million trees during this year’s event, contributing to its long-term goal of planting 200 million trees over five years.
The ROOTS campaign, established in 2020, has seen significant growth in partnerships, with more than 30 organizations actively participating, including companies, religious and traditional institutions, schools, government agencies, and development partners.
Deforestation is a critical issue, as a 2017 inventory by the National Forestry Authority revealed a 50% loss in Uganda’s forestry cover over the past three decades. Forestry plays a vital role in Uganda, contributing 6% to the GDP and meeting over 90% of the population’s energy needs.
Private sector partners, including Total Energies, Stanbic Bank, and Uganda Breweries, emphasized the importance of combating deforestation due to its tangible impacts, such as floods, landslides, and prolonged droughts. Jean Gavalda, Business Development and Corporate Affairs Director at Total Energies EP Uganda, stressed the need for concrete actions beyond rhetoric, citing their engagement in preserving and restoring threatened natural forests.
The ROOTS campaign has also gained support from various organizations, including the Catholic Church, Church of Uganda, and different kingdoms within Uganda.
Transparency is a key aspect of the initiative, with digital tree data collection by Tree Adoption Uganda ensuring accurate records of each tree planted. This approach enhances reporting efficiency and builds confidence among investors, funders, and the public.
Cathy Adengo, Stanbic Bank’s Head of Sustainability, announced the bank’s commitment to plant one million trees through its employee community programs. Other partners, like Roofings Group, operate a tree seedling nursery and champion reforestation initiatives.
On National Tree Planting Day, diverse indigenous species, such as mahogany, muvule, Afzelia, and fruit trees, were planted, emphasizing the campaign’s focus on biodiversity conservation.
Despite challenges, including disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the ROOTS campaign has planted over 25 million trees since its launch in 2020. The campaign continues to seek government commitments to establish a National Tree Planting Day, encouraging public participation in efforts to restore, protect, and replenish Uganda’s forests.
