ENVIRONMENT | ISMAILI | DAY

WAKISO - A section of Ugandans joined other foreign nationals to celebrate the global Ismaili day by planting trees in Entebbe mayor's garden on Sunday. 

Celebrated every September 25, the global Ismaili day is a civic day under which Ismailis unite with a mission to serve humanity by rendering service to improve the quality of life of the communities in which they live.

Azim Tharani, the President Agha Khan nation council for Uganda said, Ismaili civic is reflective of the community's ethic of civic engagement and good citizenship, exemplifying Islam's core values of service, peace, compassion and care for the vulnerable. Aware of the negative impacts of climate change, the theme this year has been about environmental stewardship hence planting trees. 

"Even if the carbon emission from Uganda is low, it does not spare Uganda from the catastrophic impacts of global warming," noted Tharani.

According to Jasmine Halani, a member of the Ismaili community, over 150 trees of different species were planted in the Mayor's garden on Sunday. 

According to Jasmine Halani, a member of the Ismaili community, over 150 trees of different species were planted in the Mayor's garden on Sunday. (All Photos by Julius Luwemba)

"We have also been planting in different areas across the country and the trees planted are always recommended by the hosting community depending on the soil quality and environmental conditions," noted Halani.

Naeem Mitha another community member said the noble campaign is not a single-day event, but rather a continuous engagement which is aimed at improving people's livelihood and the well-being of the community.

Fabrice Rulinda, the Entebbe Municipality Mayor said Entebbe prides itself in the protection of the greenery and the environment at large. 

"Trees live for a long time, hence justifiable to have decided to plant trees as a form of noble gesture for the Entebbe community and the country at large," Rulinda expressed, adding that the municipality leadership has a mission to plant a million trees in five years.