Africa Kwetu 2025 focuses on tree planting and eco sustainability

Tree planting will be the central theme of this year’s Africa Kwetu Fuel Economy Tour, set to run from September 4 to 7, covering approximately 1,300km through Luwero, Nakasongola, Masindi, Hoima, Fort Portal, and Kasese.

Organisers of the annual event emphasize that the tour continues to leverage motorsport as a tool for mobilising the public around road safety, sports tourism, and environmental protection in Uganda.

Now in its sixth edition since its inception in 2020, the tour will place special emphasis on tree planting not only along the route but also through a major greening initiative in Fort Portal City.

“We are promoting tree growing by actively engaging schools and communities,” explained Justine Mungoma, the tour coordinator, during the launch of this year's edition at Hotel Africana on Tuesday.

“I am proud to say that we are already seeing results from previous editions. At every stopover, a tree will be planted.”

While the September tour is the pinnacle event, Mungoma highlighted that the initiative runs year-round. “We have carried out consistent road safety campaigns and environmental activities, such as recent school engagements in Lugazi and quarterly conservation drives,” he added.

Crews preparing to take part in the tour have been strongly cautioned to adhere to event rules particularly regarding fuel use.

In previous editions, some teams were accused of flouting regulations by carrying more fuel than permitted. Under the current guidelines, all participating vehicles must refuel at designated stations, have their tanks sealed, and observe limits to promote fair play and environmental safety.

A unique feature of the tour is its dual emphasis on safety and sustainability. By encouraging slower driving speeds, the tour not only reduces vehicle emissions but also conserves fuel hence the “fuel economy” focus.

The four-day journey will commence at Wampewo Petrol Station in Kampala, heading to Luwero Industrial Park under the National Enterprise Corporation (NEC). From there, participants will proceed to Masindi’s Kabalega Resort for lunch before ending day one in Hoima, a total stretch of 300km.

Day two will include a 100km drive to Buliisa, with a visit to the Wanseko landing site on Lake Albert and a tour of oil wells managed by TotalEnergies under the Petroleum Authority of Uganda. After returning to Hoima for lunch, participants will continue approximately 200km to Fort Portal City.

Day three features a scenic 120km drive through Kasese to Queen Elizabeth National Park, where a game drive and boat cruise are planned.

After six hours in the park, the team will return to Fort Portal for night tourism and a major tree-planting campaign the following morning.

While the direct route covers about 950km, the additional stops, tours, and return journey to Kampala bring the total distance to 1,300km.