In a bid to avert the perennial impacts of floods in the Bugishu sub-region,
Kakira Sugar, one of Uganda’s leading sugar producer together the Uganda Red Cross
Society (URCS) have supported over 170 house holds in Mbale district with
tree seedlings.
The concerted effort aimed at conserving the environment, seeks at planting
over 50,000 grevillea trees for a period of 5 years, starting with 10,000 trees
this year in addition to the 15,000 trees that were planted in Busoga region in
the areas of Iganga and Namutumba last year.
Kicking off the initiative on Tuesday 6 th , Regina Mutuwa, Chairperson of the
Mbale Disaster Risk Management Committee, and the village leadership of
Nashikhaso village noted that the beneficiaries of the project were those
residing near the river banks of Namaale in Bungokho sub-county, Bushikori
Parish, Nashikhaso village and nambale stream in Nambiti A village who were
susceptible to the dangers of the floods.
“I am grateful to the URCS for their timely response whenever disasters strike
and commended their proactive approach in mitigating potential disasters,”
Matuwa noted.
“Each family was at least given five tree seedlings to plant around there house
hold. Why should lives be lost during disasters?” James Mawa, the Horticulture
Superintendent at Kakira questioned noting how the narrative could easily
change if only the recipients took great care of the seedlings they were given.
“We believe this can change and it is the reason why we have brought these
seedlings. We have partnered with URCS to see that there is transformation,”
Mawa said. Adding that URCS was instrumental in reaching the affected
communities, however, also assuring them of their continued support.
The Bugisu sub-region, particularly the Mt Elgon region, has experienced a
significant loss of vegetation cover due to population growth and unsustainable
human activities.
This ecological degradation has resulted in a surge of climate-related disasters
such as heavy runoff, floods, and mudslides, with recent incidents occurring just
two weeks ago.
Addressing the participants, Mr. John Cliff Wamala, the Communication and
PR Officer at URCS, highlighted that these activities were part of the World
Environment month celebrations, with this year's theme focusing on the solutions
to plastic pollution.
Wamala, emphasized the organization's dedication to protecting the
environment as a means of mitigating the effects of climate change. This was
also highlighted in their recent disaster report 2022 embedded on principles of
Trust, Equity and Local action
“When we talk of saving lives, it doesn’t end at extending relief or being the first responders during disasters, but also mitigating and controlling the diversity of these calamities,” Wamala said.
Adding that, addressing the environmental challenges in the Bugisu sub-region
demonstrate their commitment to safeguarding lives and the natural ecosystem
but also the continued monitoring and assessment of the planted trees will
contribute to long-term environmental sustainability and resilience in the region.
The event was held at the Bungokho sub-county grounds and was attended by
representatives from Kakira Sugar, including, Susan Gimbo, the Public
Relations Officer and the URCS team led by Sarah Opimo Okello who is an
Environment Officer.
Background
According to the latest statistics from the National Forest Authority, Uganda’s
forest cover has sightly increased from 12.4% in 2017 to a 13% in 2019 with
efforts to atleast tripple the efforts by 2030.
