Speaker of Parliament Anita Annet Among has called for a deliberate tree-planting project in memory of the Late Dr Tom Okia Okurut, former executive director of the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA).

She made the call while addressing mourners during a service in memory of Okurut at St Luke’s church Ntinda, Kampala on Thursday.

Okurut, who was the husband to the Commissioner of Animal Health in the Ministry of Agriculture Animal Industry and Fisheries, Dr Rose Ademun, died on Sunday and is said to have died shortly after a brain surgery in one of the hospitals around Kampala.

Dr Ademun Anna Rose Okurut, the widow of the fallen climate change icon Dr. Tom Okurut Okia mourning her husband. Photo by Isaac Nuwagaba

As an advocate of the environment, Okurut spearheaded environment protection initiatives while at NEMA including restoration of Wetlands, planting trees, and fighting sand miners in water bodies among others, Among added.

Through her X handle, Among said that she often consulted Okurut on the revival of the tree planting project starting with Members of Parliament to protect the environment faced with the changing climate.

“Just last month, I urged MPs to join the fight against climate change by planting trees. Tom was among those I sought to consult on the feasibility of this campaign, but sadly, he passed away before we could engage. May his legacy inspire us to strive for a greener Uganda, and may his soul rest in peace,” Among said.

Dr. Okurut who was the Executive Director of NEMA from 2011-2021 will be laid to rest on Saturday in Akadot village in Kumi district.