environment 16 April 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
12 Northern Uganda Schools Launch 3-Million-Tree Planting to Combat Deforestation
Twelve schools in northern Uganda have joined a major initiative to plant three million trees over two years, aiming to create over 50 forests of indigenous and fruit trees across 12 districts ravaged by deforestation. The effort, led by My Tree Initiative Uganda and Absa Bank Uganda, was launched at Gulu High School to build climate resilience through student involvement. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/12-schools-join-3-million-tree-drive-to-fight-deforestation-in-northern-uganda-5426218
Twelve schools across northern Uganda are taking part in an ambitious drive to plant three million tree seedlings, targeting the severe deforestation plaguing the region.
The project kicked off on Thursday at Gulu High School in Gulu City, with support from My Tree Initiative Uganda and Absa Bank Uganda. Political and cultural leaders joined students for the launch event.
Absa Bank’s Communication and Information Security Officer, Francis Topacho, stated that the bank plans to plant two million trees in 300 schools across 12 districts over the next two years. Each tree will be geotagged and monitored until 2027 for survival and impact.
The districts involved include Gulu, Lira, Arua, Kitgum, Pader, Agago, Apac, Oyam, Dokolo, Nebbi, Yumbe, and Adjumani, spanning the Acholi, Lango, and West Nile sub-regions. The goal is to establish over 50 forests with indigenous and fruit trees.
Gulu High School received 2,000 seedlings, including mango, guava, jackfruit, and native species. Deputy head teacher Moses Eguma said students will each plant and care for a tree for two years, turning them into advocates against deforestation.
My Tree Initiative Uganda’s executive director, Enger Ashiraf, emphasized that students can inspire communities to preserve trees, addressing the region’s vulnerability to climate shocks from environmental degradation.
Gulu City Deputy Mayor Christine Olok hailed the initiative as the largest reforestation effort in the area, calling for diligent care of the seedlings to restore lost tree cover from illegal logging and charcoal production.