Commonwealth Games Association launches forest initiative

The Commonwealth Games Association of Uganda (CGAU) and Commonwealth Sport, in partnership with Uganda's Little Hands Go Green (ULHGG), the National Forestry Authority (NFA), and the Ministry of Water and Environment, have launched an environmental preservation initiative.

The launch included planting 74 indigenous tree species (fruit and other species) in Mabira Forest in Najjembe village and marked the start of a long-term program to connect all 74 Commonwealth nations and territories through forest restoration, climate action, biodiversity conservation, and youth engagement.

The Commonwealth Forest Initiative symbolises unity, shared responsibility, and collective action in addressing the global climate crisis.

Commonwealth Games Association of Uganda president Donald Rukare (squatting-center) plants a tree alongside Member of Parliament for Bulambuli County Biara Emmanuel Wepukhulu (in suit) and Derrick Rukundo (2nd left) the Regional Central Forest Officer at Najjembe in Mabira forest, June 4, 2026. Photo by Michael Nsubuga

A delegation from the CGAU, led by the President of Commonwealth Sport, Donald Rukare, and Secretary General, Beatrice Ayikoru, along with another from ULHGG (Mother Manjeri P.S Bweyogerere) led by CEO and Founder Joseph Masembe, and another from the local community (Heartland Kids School), participated in the planting of trees. They were joined by Biara Emmanuel Wepukhulu, the incumbent Member of Parliament for Bulambuli County, and the Regional Central Officer for Central Uganda, Derrick Rukundo, who represented the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Water and Environment, Dr. Alfred Okot Okidi.

Masembe emphasised that Uganda, as a nation committed to the environment, aims to lead by example. He stated that beyond competing and winning medals, Uganda encourages all 74 Commonwealth countries to incorporate a green footprint into their sports legacy.

"So, what you are seeing today here is the start of a journey that goes to the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and beyond, leaving a legacy that creates the nexus between sports and environment," Masembe said. "That's why today we are launching the Commonwealth Forest Initiative, which is a very simple call to every Commonwealth country to plant a mini forest in Mabira."

Commonwealth Games Association of Uganda's Beatrice Ayikoru and Anne Mungoma and some children plants a tree for the United Kingdom at Najjembe in Mabira Forest, June 4, 2026. Photo by Michael Nsubuga

He said after the Mabira project, the initiative will then be replicated in other countries during subsequent games. "At the end of the day, we want to give the communities an excuse to protect the environment because they are going to harvest avocado, harvest jackfruit, harvest mango, and benefit much more from the trees."

A message from Rukundo noted that the initiative conveys a sense of unity, responsibility, and hope. He noted that they chose Mabira because it is one of Uganda's most important natural forests and a national treasure that supports biodiversity, regulates the climate, protects water systems, provides livelihoods, and serves as an ecological classroom for present and future generations.

"Mabira represents both the beauty of Uganda's natural heritage and the urgent need to protect that heritage from degradation, encroachment, deforestation, and other pressures that affect the forest. We are linking the forest to the Commonwealth Games because the games bring nations together through sports, friendship, and shared values. This initiative adds a powerful environmental legacy to the Games."

He suggested that the initiative should become a model for Commonwealth climate responsibility. "We invite each Commonwealth country, authority, and partner to support forest restoration, climate education, and long-term protection of trees planted under this initiative. The Commonwealth Forest Initiative should grow into a living network of legacy forests, connecting countries through practical environmental action."

Rukare hailed ULHGG for initiating this important legacy program that is going to green sports, and thanked the ministry and the National Forestry Authority for their cooperation.

"This initiative that we're starting here today is very timely because it fits within our overall objective, both at the Commonwealth Games in Uganda and Commonwealth Sport. We believe that it's not only about playing sports but also contributing to having our climate responsibly sustained," Rukare stated.

He called on the young climate ambassadors to join them in ensuring that we protect, preserve, and promote the environment, and pledged to keep checking on the trees until their maturity.

Wepukhulu noted that the whole world is suffering from the effects of climate change and appreciated the efforts of the Commonwealth Games, Little Hands Go Green, and all stakeholders in protecting the environment.