Archbishop Kaziimba calls for faith-based climate action

________________

Church of Uganda Archbishop Dr Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu has urged dioceses, parishes, schools and households to take personal responsibility for environmental conservation as the Church embarks on a 15 million tree growing campaign.

Kaziimba says the initiative is rooted in scripture and guided by the belief that “the earth is the Lord’s and all that is in it”, emphasising that humanity is entrusted with stewardship rather than ownership of natural resources.

“We are stewards entrusted with forests, water, soil and air where we are supposed not to exploit them recklessly, but to protect and nurture them faithfully,” he says.

The Archbishop, while speaking at the launch on Monday, March 2, 2026, at Namirembe Cathedral in Kampala city, described the campaign as a thanksgiving offering for the Church’s 150-year journey and a covenant of hope for future generations.

“Each tree planted is a symbol of life, restoration and continuity. It represents our commitment to combat climate change and protect the vulnerable who suffer most from environmental destruction,” he added.

He explained that the campaign aligns with the Church’s 2026–2030 strategic focus on environmental protection and disaster risk reduction, noting that restoring ecosystems is inseparable from safeguarding human life and livelihoods.

Kaziimba urged every diocese to commit to planting 385,000 trees over two years and stressed the importance of ensuring their survival through proper care.

“Let us not only plant trees but also ensure their survival,” he said, encouraging the nomination of environmental focal persons for monitoring and reporting.

Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa, speaking at the launch as the chief guest, said that although the work of Parliament and that of the pulpit may appear distinct, they intersect when it comes to environmental stewardship.

He warned that deforestation, wetland encroachment, pollution and the effects of climate change pose a direct threat to livelihoods, food security, public health and national development.

“It affects everyone, old and young, and much worse, the future of generations yet to be born,” he said, noting that Uganda’s forests, lakes, rivers and fertile soils are not infinite gifts but resources that require responsible management and collective protection.