Good Forests Foundation Uganda project coordinator Ronald Mwikirize said the 500,000 trees would be planted in phases across the diocese over five years.
Jinja Catholic Diocese has launched a five-year tree-planting campaign targeting 500,000 trees across its parishes as part of efforts to restore forest cover and combat environmental degradation.
The initiative was launched by the diocesan bishop, Rt Rev Emmanuel Obbo, at Namungalwe Catholic Parish in Iganga District, where the Church called on communities to take collective responsibility for protecting the environment.
Bp. Obbo, who was represented by the diocesan chancellor, Rev Fr Gerald Mutto, said tree planting should be embraced by everyone because of the vital role trees play in sustaining life.
He noted that trees provide oxygen, fruits and other essential resources, urging Christians and the wider public to participate in restoring the environment.
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Mutto also recalled the difficulties experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic, when hospitals faced challenges accessing adequate medical oxygen to treat critically ill patients, saying the experience underscored the importance of oxygen to human survival.
The bishop thanked Good Forests Foundation Uganda and Centenary Bank for partnering with the diocese on the initiative. He urged Christians in the participating parishes to nurture and protect the seedlings to ensure the project achieves its objectives.
Iganga District Assistant Resident District Commissioner Tonny Nabala also called on residents to plant trees on their land and around their homes, warning that global warming and climate change were increasingly threatening the environment.
He said the effects include prolonged droughts and changing seasons, which can affect agriculture and people’s livelihoods.
Iganga forest cover under pressure
The Iganga District Forestry Officer expressed concern over the district’s declining forest resources, citing a 2024 report that put forest cover at 54%.
He attributed deforestation to the cutting down of trees for charcoal production, sugarcane growing and negative attitudes towards tree planting.
The officer urged residents to make tree planting part of community activities, including weddings, introduction ceremonies, birthday celebrations and burials.
He said such an approach, combined with individual efforts to plant trees, would help restore the environment and protect natural resources for future generations.
30 acres offered for the project
Good Forests Foundation Uganda project coordinator Ronald Mwikirize said the 500,000 trees would be planted in phases across the diocese over five years.
He commended the Church for partnering with the foundation and providing more than 30 acres of land for the initiative, describing the project as a long-term investment in Uganda’s environment and the welfare of future generations.
Mwikirize said the partnership would help expand tree cover while encouraging communities to appreciate the environmental and economic benefits of trees.
The Centenary Bank Jinja branch manager said the bank had joined the initiative as part of its corporate social responsibility programme to support communities in the region.
The manager urged beneficiaries to care for the seedlings until they mature, noting that the trees would provide various benefits to communities.
Three parishes to start
The diocesan project coordinator, Rev Fr Kizito Tibakula, said the programme would initially be implemented in Namungalwe, Busowa and Budini parishes before being extended to other parishes across the diocese.
He said the initiative was intended to create lasting environmental benefits for current and future generations.
Namungalwe Parish priest, Rev Fr Anthony Lwelera, and Christian leader Thomas Muwereza welcomed the programme, saying the parish had about 10 acres of idle land that would be used to accommodate the trees.
They expressed optimism that the trees would eventually provide shade, fruits and timber, while generating income for the community.
The diocese hopes the five-year campaign will strengthen environmental conservation efforts and encourage Christians to take an active role in protecting natural resources.
