New law set to make tree planting a civic duty for Kampalans

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Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), in a bid to green the city, has introduced the Urban Green Infrastructure Ordinance (UGIO), aimed at preventing the misuse of green spaces.

KCCA’s director for physical planning, Vincent Byendaimira, said the city leadership is also set to introduce the Kampala Green Industry Campaign (GIC), which promotes sustainable development.

He said the ordinance will include clauses requiring every city resident to plant trees within their compounds before beginning construction.

“If one goes against the regulation, their buildings will not have their plans approved. KCCA is going to require residents who want to construct their buildings to have some green in their compounds before their plans are approved,” Byendaimira said.

He added that the bylaw, which must be passed by councillors, is currently with the Solicitor General's office.

Plot sizes will determine how many trees one is required to plant. In cases where someone wants to cut down a tree, they will need KCCA’s consent, and for every tree removed, three more of the same species must be planted.

Byendaimira made these remarks during the launch of the Mulago Tree Planting Initiative at Mulago National Referral Hospital (MNRH). Under the initiative, Mulago plans to plant over 4,500 trees at the facility.

Martin Mwodi, the director for plantation development at the National Forestry Authority (NFA), said their target is to increase forest cover to 12–16%. He said trees would be planted outside protected areas, especially in locations not gazetted as central forest reserves.

“Mulago National Referral Hospital falls under a protected area, so when the facility participates in tree-planting activities, NFA is contributing to increasing forest cover,” he said.

He added that while KCCA is targeting 7,500 trees in the urban setting, more effort is needed beyond the city. NFA must encourage communities to take up this initiative if the 16% national forest cover target is to be achieved.

Mwodi urged those planting the trees to nurture them, noting that NFA is shifting from simply planting trees to growing them. He encouraged recipients of seedlings to take responsibility for weeding, watering, and protecting the trees from animals, to ensure they grow.

He acknowledged the importance of legislation, especially in urban settings, but emphasised that urban tree planting should be monitored by city authorities. He described tree planting as a worthwhile investment and called on urban dwellers to view it as such.

“The only legislation NFA wants is to support communities in protecting their trees and selling what comes from the trees,” he said.

He also raised concerns about protecting the trees planted in Mulago, noting that people who visit the facility sometimes damage them.

“Unless you have the ordinance, you can’t protect these trees. We ask KCCA to put in place ordinances to protect the trees. Also, we as human beings have destroyed most of the trees, so we need to replant,” Mwodi said.

The executive director of Mulago National Referral Hospital, Rosemary Byanyima, said Kampala needs a healthy community, and the trees planted would help create a cooler environment for patients.

“The trees will be looked after because nature is a key component. Patients go for nature walks when sick—those components can help in healing. It is what we want Mulago to have: healing nature,” Byanyima said.

She said trees contribute to clean air, which complements the medicine given to patients, helping both patients and health workers.

NFA also called for the establishment of urban forests and urged various partners to plant and nurture trees.