A coalition of civil society organisations has launched a One Million Tree Planting
Campaign aimed at restoring degraded forest cover and addressing environmental and social
challenges in Eastern Uganda.
The initiative, led by AMPA Media Company in partnership with Visionary Pathways, Baba TV, Little
Hearts Medical Foundation, the Nile Excellence Annual Awards, and the Iganga District Local
Government, was unveiled during Earth Day celebrations.
At the launch, more than 500 fruit tree seedlings were planted at Nawaningi Primary School and
Nawaningi Seed Secondary School, marking the start of a broader regional restoration effort.
The campaign comes at a time when Uganda continues to face increasing pressure on its forest
resources, raising concerns over environmental sustainability, climate stability, and food security.
Speaking at the launch, Mwesigwa Samuel, Executive Director of AMPA Media Company, said the
initiative is designed to respond to 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 widespread dependence on
charcoal burning and firewood has significantly contributed to forest loss across the region.
Mukisa Stanley, a stakeholder at the launch, called for stronger collaboration between communities,
leaders, and development partners to ensure the success and sustainability of restoration efforts.
School administrators at Nawaningi Seed Secondary School said the introduction of fruit trees
would improve both the school environment and student welfare, particularly in supporting nutrition
among learners.
On behalf of the implementing partners, Mutesi Sauya of Visionary Pathways emphasized the
importance of integrating social interventions into environmental programmes, noting that investing
in young people is key to long-term impact.
Cinderella Damba, President of the Nile Excellence Annual Awards, emphasized the need for
stronger community engagement in safeguarding the environment.
Dr. Mula Anthony, Director General of Busoga Consortium for Development and Secretary to the
Vice President in charge of Policy and Planning, commended 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 link between environmental sustainability and
public health, noting that healthier ecosystems contribute directly 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 contribute significantly to restoring Uganda’s forest cover,
strengthening community resilience, and promoting environmental stewardship among young
people.
