Global warming: Rotarians introduce tree planting to nursery schools
“We aim to ensure that we repopulate the trees,” Juuko said.
Rachel Juuko, the president of the Rotary Club of Nsambya, Kampala, planting trees with one of the school heads Green Top School in Maya and other officials. (Photos by Ibrahim Ruhweza)
Ibrahim Ruhweza
Journalist @New Vision
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The Rotary Club of Nsambya, Kampala, has taken a pioneering step in combating global warming and promoting sustainability through a tree-planting initiative.
On April 4, 2025, the club donated 500 tree seedlings to Green Top School in Maya, Kyengera Town Council, Wakiso district. The school has an enrolment of about 200 children.
The initiative is spearheaded by Rachel Juuko, the president of the club, whose passion for the environment is reshaping how communities and children relate to nature.
“We aim to ensure that we repopulate the trees,” Juuko said.
“Our continent was once covered in lush greenery, but now, with what we might call modernisation or growth, many trees have been cut down for fuel and other industrial purposes.”
She condemned deforestation, saying it has become common to cut down trees without replacing them. Such practices, she noted, have endangered ecosystems, and contributed to climate change.
The Rotary Club of Nsambya’s approach is distinctive in its focus on schools, especially nursery schools, where the seeds of change can be sown—both literally and figuratively.
By involving children in tree planting, Juuko and her team aim to raise a generation that understands the importance of trees and their role in sustaining the planet.
“It’s about sustainability. We identify schools where we can plant trees with the children. If you get them involved not only in planting but also in growing and nurturing the trees, you build a sense of responsibility and understanding. When a child learns why they are planting a tree, how it grows, and why it's important, we believe they will carry that knowledge forward. It’s the key to a greener environment and a society that values nature,” Juuko explained.
She also stated that the initiative would not stop at schools but would extend to communities to address the depletion of medicinal plants.
“In the past, our communities thrived on the healing properties of local plants,” she noted.
Rachel Juuko, the president of the Rotary Club of Nsambya, Kampala, displaying tree seedlings with children of Green Top School in Maya. 
“Now, as these plants disappear, we’ve become more reliant on imported medicines. By planting medicinal trees, we’re not only revitalising these crucial resources but also educating communities about the benefits of indigenous plants.”
The project also addresses nutrition. “We’re planting trees like avocados, jackfruits, and mangoes,” Juuko said with a smile.
“These trees will provide food for the children and, in turn, help with their health. Without proper nutrition, there can be no development. It’s all connected.”
Challenges
According to Godfrey Musisi, director of service projects for the Rotary Club, raising awareness about planting food-producing trees like jackfruits remains a challenge due to delayed gratification.
“The greatest challenge is that many people are reluctant to plant trees because they take time to grow,” he said.
“People want quick results, but trees like jackfruit can take five years to produce fruit. Yet, we enjoy the fruits and shade of trees planted by our grandparents. This generation needs to understand the long-term benefits.”
Unpredictable weather patterns have also posed a challenge.
“We plant trees during the rainy season, hoping the rains will continue,” Musisi explained.
“But occasionally, the rains stop, and the trees dry up. That’s why we don’t just plant and leave. We make sure the community is ready to care for the trees, to water them, and ensure they thrive.”
The Rotary team is determined to spread their message far and wide. With plans to reach schools like St. Joseph Nsambya and communities as far as Mpigi, their mission is to plant trees and educate children across Uganda.
“In Rotary, we believe in reaching out,” Musisi said.
“We don’t just stay in our neighborhoods. We go where the need is, even if it’s far away. Our mission is to give without expecting anything in return.”
Juuko added, “Tree planting is a journey. It’s not just about one day of planting; it’s about the future. By involving children, educating communities, and planting trees in schools, we are giving the planet a fighting chance against global warming. And we are building a generation that will take care of the Earth long after we’re gone.”
Hanifa Nsimire, director of Green Top School, expressed her gratitude for the club’s commitment to tree planting and engaging children.
She said that once the trees mature, the heatwaves will no longer affect the children as severely.
Nsimire noted that the Rotary Club of Nsambya is not just planting trees but also planting seeds of change in the hearts and minds of children, ensuring a greener, healthier future for generations to come.