The campaign was officially launched with the planting of more than 500 fruit tree seedlings at Nawaningi Primary School and Nawaningi Seed Secondary School, marking the beginning of a broader regional restoration effort.
A coalition of civil society organisations has launched a One Million Tree Planting Campaign aimed at restoring degraded forest cover and addressing pressing environmental and social challenges in Eastern Uganda.
The initiative, spearheaded by AMPA Media Company in partnership with Visionary Pathways, Baba TV, Little Hearts Medical Foundation, Nile Excellence Annual Awards, and the Iganga District Local Government, was unveiled during Earth Day celebrations.
The campaign was officially launched with the planting of more than 500 fruit tree seedlings at Nawaningi Primary School and Nawaningi Seed Secondary School, marking the beginning of a broader regional restoration effort.
Uganda continues to face mounting pressure on its forest resources, raising concerns over environmental sustainability, climate stability, and food security—particularly in eastern regions where deforestation remains widespread.
Speaking at the launch, Mwesigwa Samuel, Executive Director of AMPA Media Company, said the campaign is designed to address both environmental degradation and immediate community needs.
“We are looking at restoring the environment while also addressing challenges such as food insecurity in schools. Fruit trees provide a sustainable solution by supporting school feeding while contributing to environmental conservation,” he said.
Local leaders and stakeholders welcomed the initiative, noting that heavy reliance on charcoal burning and firewood has significantly contributed to forest loss across the region.
Mukisa Stanley, a stakeholder at the event, called for stronger collaboration between communities, leaders, and development partners to ensure the long-term success of restoration efforts.
Administrators at Nawaningi Seed Secondary School said the introduction of fruit trees would not only improve the school environment but also support student nutrition.
On behalf of the implementing partners, Mutesi Sauya of Visionary Pathways emphasized the need to integrate social interventions into environmental programmes, noting that investing in young people is critical for sustainable impact.
Cinderella Damba, President of the Nile Excellence Annual Awards, underscored the importance of community involvement in environmental protection, urging residents to take an active role in safeguarding natural resources.
Dr. Mula Anthony, Director General of the Busoga Consortium for Development and Secretary to the Vice President in charge of Policy and Planning, described the initiative as timely and revealed plans to scale the model through tree planting under the Village Agriculture Model programme.
Little Hearts Medical Foundation highlighted the strong link between environmental sustainability and public health, noting that healthier ecosystems directly contribute to improved community wellbeing.
According to the National Forestry Authority, Uganda continues to experience significant forest cover loss, with Eastern Uganda among the most affected regions.
The One Million Tree Campaign adopts a community-based approach, with schools serving as central hubs for tree planting and environmental awareness.
If sustained, the initiative is expected to play a significant role in restoring forest cover, strengthening community resilience, and promoting environmental stewardship among young people.
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