Environmentalists and farmers in the Kigezi region have expressed mounting concern over the ongoing climate crisis, as a prolonged lack of rainfall continues to severely impact agricultural activities in the area. Farmers lament that August, traditionally the start of the rainy season, has come and gone without any rain, exacerbating their struggles.
Environmentalists attribute the crisis to widespread wetland degradation and deforestation, warning that these harmful practices have dramatically altered the region’s natural climate patterns.
The issue was brought into sharp focus during the launch of a 1000-tree planting initiative at the National Teachers College Kabale, a project spearheaded by the South Western Regional Development Forum (SWRDF) in partnership with the Rotary Club of Kabale City. The campaign aims to address environmental challenges like deforestation and wetland destruction, which have contributed to the worsening climate in the region.
Officiating at the launch, Green Environment Promotion (GEP) President and General Secretary of SWRDF, Evelyne Ninsiima Kikafunda, stressed the reality of climate change and urged both individuals and institutions to take part in tree planting initiatives to help combat the crisis.
“Climate change is real. The absence of rain at this time of year is alarming and threatens both our crops and our livelihoods. We must all take part in reforestation and sustainable land management practices to restore ecological balance and mitigate the impact of climate change,” Kikafunda said.
Kikafunda also revealed that SWRDF plans to extend similar initiatives to other institutions and communities in the region to foster broader environmental conservation efforts.
Hillary Byoruganda a member of the South Western Regional Development Forum (SWRDF) also echoed these concerns, emphasizing the urgency of action in the face of changing weather patterns and dwindling rainfall. He said that they have distributed 1000 trees of different species and that they will provide multiple importance in the NTC community.
Doctor Mugarura Robert, representing the President of the Rotary Club of Kabale City, Rtn. Wycliff Rushaju, highlighted Rotary’s commitment to environmental conservation. He stated that the club has a goal of planting 10,000 trees this year, with the 1000-tree planting initiative marking the official launch of their activities.
“As Rotary, one of our core pillars is environmental conservation, and our president’s manifesto commits us to planting 10,000 trees this year. Today’s event is just the beginning,” said Dr. Mugarura.
Annet Komunda, Principal of National Teachers College Kabale, welcomed the initiative, noting that it was long overdue. She expressed concern over the unavailability of rainfall in the Kigezi region, which, she said, should have arrived by now, but has been absent due to the effects of climate change.
The tree planting initiative is seen as a significant step towards conserving the environment and addressing the region’s growing climate challenges.
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