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Equity Bank Uganda and My Tree Initiative have stepped up efforts to promote environmental conservation with a tree planting campaign at Kyasanku Hill College in Kasanje, Mpigi District.
The initiative, held along the Kampala-Masaka Highway, saw students, teachers, community leaders and partners plant indigenous and fruit trees on two acres of land set aside by the school for environmental restoration.
The exercise is part of Equity Bank Uganda’s contribution to Equity Group’s regional target of planting 35 million trees across East Africa, aimed at supporting climate resilience, protecting biodiversity and promoting sustainable livelihoods.
Speaking during the event, Equity Bank Uganda’s Manager for Energy, Environment and Climate Change, Virginia Ssemakula, said environmental protection is central to the bank’s mission of transforming lives.
“At Equity Bank, we believe that transforming lives also means protecting the environment because true prosperity can only exist on a healthy planet,” she said.
Ssemakula said climate change is already affecting communities through floods, droughts and other environmental challenges, adding that collective action is needed to protect natural resources.
“Climate change is no longer a distant threat. Floods, droughts and environmental disasters remind us every day that protecting nature is everyone’s responsibility,” she said.
She added that financial institutions have a key role to play in supporting sustainable development by financing initiatives that protect the environment and strengthen communities. The partnership with My Tree Initiative is aimed at restoring Uganda’s forest cover while encouraging young people to take part in environmental conservation.
My Tree Initiative Executive Director Enjer Ashiraf said tree planting is an investment in both people and the environment.
“Tree planting is not simply about restoring forests; it is about restoring hope, protecting livelihoods and securing the future of our communities,” Ashiraf said.
He added that partnerships between the private sector, schools and communities are important in addressing environmental challenges.
The Guest of Honour, Mawokota North Member of Parliament Amelia Kyambadde, urged Ugandans to change their perception of trees, saying their value goes beyond timber.
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“Trees are more than timber. They provide food, shelter, biodiversity, clean air and a better future for generations to come,” Kyambadde said. She warned against the continued destruction of forests for charcoal, saying the practice threatens Uganda’s environment and future livelihoods.
“Let us stop cutting trees for charcoal. Every tree we save today is an investment in Uganda’s tomorrow,” she said. Kyambadde encouraged communities to view trees as a long-term investment rather than quick sources of income.
“A tree should not only be seen as cash waiting to be cut. Its greatest value lies in the life it sustains,” she said. The Mpigi tree planting campaign adds to Equity Bank Uganda’s growing environmental conservation efforts across the country.
The bank has partnered with schools, cultural institutions, environmental organisations and local governments to support tree planting initiatives.
Through the Bugisu Greening Campaign, implemented with the Umukuka wa Bugisu and GRO Foundation, more than 60,000 trees are being planted following a Shs60 million investment.
The bank has also partnered with the Kenya High Commission and Million Trees International at Busoga College Mwiri, where more than 43,000 indigenous trees have been planted alongside a 10-acre fruit orchard following an Shs85 million investment.
Other conservation efforts have also been carried out at St Julian High School Gayaza.
As climate change continues to affect agriculture, ecosystems and livelihoods, Equity Bank Uganda and My Tree Initiative say the Mpigi project demonstrates the importance of partnerships in building a greener and more resilient Uganda.
The initiative is not only about planting trees but also creating a lasting environmental legacy for future generations.
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