The Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, the Most Rev Samuel Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu, has urged Ugandans to prioritize environmental protection activities in a bid to rejuvenate efforts to save the planet.

The archbishop made the remarks Tuesday at his offices in Namirembe during the launch of the Environment and Climate Change Week.

The theme for this year’s Environment Week is ‘Celebrating Environmental Stewardship’ and is derived from Genesis 1:28-29. “God blessed them and said to them, Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground”.

The call also comes at a time when Uganda is experiencing extreme heat and two days after the South Sudan government reportedly closed schools because of extreme heat, reaching as high as 45 degrees centigrade.

“The signs of environmental degradation and the impact of climate change have become increasingly evident each day. Reminding us of our responsibility as religious leaders to steward God’s creation. We are in a climate crisis and we can all attest to this,” Rev Kaziimba, said.

Rev Kaziimba also noted that since the level of water, air pollution and biodiversity loss are alarming, multi-sectoral cooperation and collaboration are crucial in taking action and fostering sustainable conservation and development in Uganda.

In the fight against global warming, the Church of Uganda has organized different events to raise awareness about environmental issues and empower the congregants to make eco-conscious choices in their daily lives.

During this period, the archbishop has encouraged Church of Uganda leaders and the online Church to have sermons addressing Environmental stewardship and to sensitize the congregation on Environmental Conservation and have Environmental moments.

Speaking to New Vision, Rev Canon William Ongeng, the Provincial Secretary, noted that the environment we are enjoying is a gift from God so we have to protect it.

“Whenever we are using this gift from God, we should care for it well so that those who are coming after us find something they will enjoy. We have to take care of every opportunity by planting trees and disposing of all plastic bottles,” Rev Ongeng said.

Rev Andrew Agaba, the Director for Household and Community Transformation, noted that the Church is growing one million trees on selected Church land and also going to engage Church congregants to grow trees on their land to restore the ecosystem.