Several individuals and institutions in Agago District are embracing tree planting in support of the “Green Campaign” to revive the lost tree cover.
In January, the district council resolved to make tree planting a mandate for all households, administrative units, and institutions. It set May 13 of every year as the day for all people in Agago to plant trees.
In April, the district set up a nursery bed to nurture tree seedlings for distribution to the respective households and institutions.
John Okidi, the District Forest Officer says that since April, more than 30 schools and nine health units have been given a variety of tree seedlings to plant.
Okidi said the district partnered with National Forestry Authority-NFA to get more seedlings for the campaign. He however noted that NFA was overwhelmed by the number of applicants for tree seedlings. More than 500 applicants filled out forms with NFA to get seedlings, but only 153 were chosen.
Okidi said the plan is to plant tree seedlings including species which can improve the nutrition and livelihood of the communities.
He called upon individuals and institutions that can support the reforestation campaign to help with tree seedlings so that the campaign runs every year without fail.
He says their intention is also to train the beneficiaries so that not many of the seedlings end up dying.
Evelyn Abalo, the in-charge of Omot HClll that benefitted from the tree seedling donation, said it will help to beautify and make the environment around the facility more conducive for the patients.
“Especially for my health facility, the trees will help reshape the environment around the health and provide shade for patients as they wait to be served,” Abalo said.
Micah Larum, a resident of Anyambunga village, Paicam parish, Lamiyo sub-county highlighted the benefits of trees to both current and future generations.
Larum appealed to the leaders to work together to ensure that the Green Campaign is sustained so that the efforts of those donating the seedlings are not wasted.
Agago district has been on the spot for massive tree cutting for mainly charcoal in the past three years. Cultural leaders estimate that at least 100 trees are destroyed daily for charcoal.
Early this month, GIZ released a preliminary report indicating that Agago district has lost 93 hectares, an equivalent of 229.8 acres of trees between 2001 to 2020.
The report highlights charcoal production, farming, construction, and infrastructures as one of the major causes of deforestation in the district.