The Rotary Club of Kabale City and the South Western Rural Development Foundation (SWRDF) today launched a project to plant 1,000 trees at Kabale University. This initiative aims to combat environmental degradation and mitigate the adverse effects of climate change. The tree-planting project is part of the broader “Planting Your Balance” campaign, which aims to plant 10,000 trees across the Kigezi region, particularly in Kabale, within the next year.
The event, held at Kabale University in the Southern Division of Kabale Municipality, drew Rotarians from various clubs, environmental advocates, and university staff. Notable attendees included GEP President and SWRDF General Secretary Evelyne Ninsiima Kikafunda, Kabale University Secretary Canon Johnson Munono, and Rotary Club President Rtn. Wycliff Rushaju.
Rtn. Wycliff Rushaju emphasized Rotary’s commitment to sustainability, stating, “This is more than just planting trees; we are investing in a greener, healthier future for the Kigezi region and beyond. Each tree planted today is a step towards securing a better tomorrow.”
Rtn. Rushaju further elaborated on the “Planting Your Balance” initiative, noting partnerships with educational and religious institutions such as NTC Kabale, Kabale Diocese, the Diocese of Kigezi, Kabale University, and Kabale Municipality among others. He says that these partnerships aim to tackle environmental issues head-on.
Kabale University’s Secretary, Canon Johnson Munono, welcomed the project and acknowledged its timely intervention amid the visible effects of climate change. “The current climate patterns is a warning sign for us all. This initiative is a much-needed response to protect our environment and sustain future generations,” he commented.
Munono also highlighted that Kabale University, with its community of over 8,000 people, places great value on environmental protection. He emphasized that this issue concerns everyone and expressed the university’s commitment to ensuring the sustainability of the initiative.
Evelyne Ninsiima Kikafunda echoed these sentiments, stressing the urgency of reforestation in addressing the climate crisis. “We are witnessing the impact of climate change firsthand. The tree-planting efforts are crucial for restoring our natural balance and safeguarding the livelihoods that depend on agriculture,” Kikafunda remarked.
Kikafunda also revealed plans to extend the initiative to schools and communities in Kigezi, encouraging widespread participation to ensure a lasting environmental impact. She added that they are promoting the planting of indigenous and fruit trees, with the fruit trees addressing the challenge of malnutrition in the region.
With Rotary Club and SWRDF joining Kabale University staff and students, a variety of indigenous and fruit trees were planted along the campus boundaries, marking the start of an expansive reforestation campaign in the region.
As the project gains momentum, the Rotary Club of Kabale City and SWRDF hope to inspire both local and national efforts toward a sustainable, eco-friendly future.
ENDS////
