Treat environmental degradation as a sin—Deputy Speaker Tayebwa

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Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa has urged religious leaders to elevate environmental stewardship to a moral and spiritual obligation, urging churches to consider environmental degradation a sin.

Speaking as the chief guest at the launch of the 15 million tree growing campaign by the Church of Uganda today, March 2, 2026, at Namirembe Cathedral, Tayebwa said the environmental crisis should no longer be treated as a purely political or technical issue, but as a moral one that demands repentance and behaviour change.

Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa. (Credit: Mpalanyi Ssentongo)

“For too long, we have treated the environment as a political issue, but at its core, the environmental crisis is a moral and spiritual crisis,” he said. “We are caretakers, not owners. We are stewards, not exploiters.”

Genuine transformation begins in the heart

Tayebwa noted that although Parliament can pass laws, allocate funds and exercise oversight, genuine transformation begins in the hearts and minds of citizens, which is an area where faith leaders hold significant influence.

“Laws and policies alone cannot transform attitudes. Transformation begins in the hearts and minds of people, and that is where you, our church leaders, play an indispensable role,” he said.

Some of the Bishops in attendance.

He described weekly church services as powerful platforms of mobilisation that require neither financial incentives nor political persuasion. “When you speak about environmental responsibility, communities listen. When you mobilise tree planting, congregations act,” he added.

The Deputy Speaker challenged the House of Bishops to formally integrate environmental degradation into Church teachings as a matter of sin and repentance.

“Let it be known that wasting water, cutting down a tree without cause, or littering a river is not just a bad habit; it is a violation of our covenant with God,” Tayebwa said.

He further encouraged the Church to extend the campaign beyond Anglican structures by engaging the Inter-Religious Council of Uganda to galvanise nationwide faith-based action.

Parliament, he said, remains committed to strengthening legislation, oversight and budgetary allocations to support environmental protection, announcing a shillings 50 million pledge toward the Church’s campaign.

“A nation that destroys its environment undermines its own future. A nation that protects its environment secures prosperity and resilience,” Tayebwa said, underscoring the urgency of collective responsibility.

Church of Uganda Archbishop Dr Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu said the campaign stems from a resolution passed by the 27th Provincial Assembly held in August 2024, which declared March as Environment Month for the Church.

Church of Uganda Archbishop Dr Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu. (Credit: Mpalanyi Ssentongo)

He described the 15 million trees as a “living testimony of stewardship and gratitude,” symbolising thanksgiving for the past 150 years and a deliberate investment in future generations.

A pupil of Victoria primary school endorsing the campaign.

Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa planting a tree.

Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa and the Archbishop Dr Samuel Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu watering the planted tree.

“The planting of 15 million trees is both a spiritual, practical and indeed a theological act,” the Archbishop said. “Each tree planted is a symbol of life, restoration and continuity. It represents our commitment to combat climate change, restore degraded land, safeguard lives and protect the vulnerable who suffer most from environmental destruction.”

Tayebwa in a group photo with Bishops who attended the function.

Bishops introducing themselves.

Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa with students of Mengo SS.

L-R: Hon. Robert Migggade, MP Buvuma Island County, Hon. Edmund Ariko, Chairperson committee of natural resources, Rt. Rev. Nathan Ahimbisibwe, Bishop of South Ankole and the Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa.

Rt. Rev. Nathan Ahimbisibwe with Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa.

Banja, Kaziimba and Tayebwa.