Plant trees in memory of the dead - Ssebugwawo

ENVIRONMENT

KAMPALA - It is common practice that a wreath is used to honour the memory of a loved one. However, Joyce Ssebugwawo, the Mayor of Rubaga, suggests that a new approach in form of planting tree seedlings be adopted in remembrance of the dead.

Unlike the wreath that is perishable, a tree is seen as a landmark and a legacy that stands in memory of the dead. The trees could last up to 200 years if nurtured and protected, according to Ssebugwawo.

"When people die, you buy wreaths. Personally, I buy five tree seedlings," says the mayor. "I encourage families and the grandchildren to plant fruit trees."

In addition to beautifying the environment or increasing the resilience of the human population against climate change, fruit trees also contribute to a better nutrition. "Children are falling sick because of poor nutrition," says Ssebugwawo.

Instead of buying a wreath, Ssebugwawo donates five seedlings to the bereaved family. The children plant three of the seedlings and the other two are planted either by the widow or the widower.

France's deputy ambassador to Uganda Clement Moutel (left) greets UHRC secretary Margaret Lucy Ejang as Robert Kotchani from the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights looks on at Kitebi

Ssebugwawo recently attended a ceremony organised by Youth Go Green and the Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) at Kitebi Day and Boarding Primary School in Kampala.

The ceremony also attracted dignitaries from the United Nations, youths from Makerere University, Kyambogo University and Kampala International University, who are part of the Youth Go Green movement.

They planted trees hardwood trees, including mahogany, at the premises of the 10-acre Kitebi Day and Boarding Primary School. 

The tree planting exercise was presided over by KCCA officials led by Nelson Tuyambaze, the Authority's landscape officer. Two students supported each dignitary during the tree planting exercise and will be in charge of looking after the trees.

This was the third event to commemorate the International Human Rights Day. The day was celebrated in Omoro on December 10. The events started with a press conference on Tuesday and then a debate for the youth on human rights.

Trees were planted at Kitebi Day and Boarding Primary School

Community action needed

Silas Mugerwa, a resident of Kitebi, said Ssebugwawo's approach to conserving the environment is the way to go.

"We keep on waiting for Government to restore the environment but Government  can only do so much. What are you doing as an individual or community?

"We should stop waiting for Government to mobilise the public to plant trees," he said.

Ssebugwawo's approach, Mugerwa added, should be supported by non-state actors such as the church and cultural institutions to encourage people to plant trees on such days as birthday anniversaries and special days like Easter.

"People should take the lead in the conservation of the environment. The problem is that we are not being mobilized to do this kind of thing. I am going to take up what Ssebugwawo is doing and also tell many other people about it."

France's deputy ambassador to Uganda Clement Moutel planted a tree at the school

Dr. Amooti Wa Irumba Katebalirwe (white cap), the acting chairperson Human Rights Commission, watered a tree, as other members looks on

Kitebi protecting nature

Beatrice Grace Ababiku, the headmaster of Kitebi Day and Boarding Primary School, said her school is keen on the subject, but that they need more partners to contribute more towards conservation of the environment.

"We have embraced activities on environmental conservation under various clubs," she said, adding that community integrated development initiatives, Inter Aid and CRANE are supporting the school and that they have programmes spearheaded by NGOs.

Ababiku said pupils of her school are creating awareness among the school population and that this has proved to be successful.  

Fight climate change

Edwin Muhumuza, the chief executive officer of Youth Go Green, said the youth should be engaged in the protection of the environment.

Short of that, they are bound to live longer with the calamities of climate change created by the current and previous generations.

Katebalirwe Amooti, the acting chairperson of UHRC, said the youth have been empowered to protect the environment.

The entire population is entitled to a safe and healthy environment as enshrined in the constitution. "Government should enforce the provisions of the constitution and the laws meant to protect the environment."