Bugema University embarks on tree-planting campaign  

The Speaker of Parliament Rt. Hon. Rebecca Kadaga planting a tree during the Bugema University Consumer Week in Luweero.  Photo by Lawrence Mulondo

Bugema University has embarked on a tree-planting campaign to increase the coverage of trees in Luwero district.

The university has so far planted five million trees at the university forest and within the surrounding communities and education institutions.

Speaking at the celebration of Bugema University Consume Week (BUCW), the university vice-chancellor, Prof Patrick Manu, said they use the week for a number of activities including sensitisation of the local community on the importance of environmental conversation and tree-planting.

"We established this week to raise awareness about the importance of trees within the local communities and schools. We use it to engage everyone, including students to plant a tree. That is why you see a unique environment in the area," he said. 

The university sits on 460 acres with a third of it half used for forest conservation. They have so far planted seven acres.

Speaking during the event, the Speaker of Parliament, Rebecca Kadaga, commended Bugema University for the initiative and asked other education institutions, local governments and civil society organisations to borrow a leaf.

"Forests and environmental conservation is important for our country. We are experiencing drought because we have destroyed forests and wetlands. We need people to plant more trees to reverse the pattern,"she noted. 

Kadaga also called for compulsory tree-planting at various occasions such as baptism, introductions and wedding ceremonies.

The head of the project and also head of development studies, Joshua Busulwa, said the university forest is used as learning facility for environmental conservation and biodiversity.

The residents also use the forest to pick herbs, collect firewood and crafts materials.