To restore Uganda’s forest cover and mitigate harsh weather conditions, the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Local Government, Ben Kumumanya, has proposed a nationwide tree-planting exercise.
This initiative aims to combat climate change at the grassroots level, with local governments taking the lead.
Kumumanya emphasised that erratic weather patterns, including irregular rainfall, mudslides, and rising temperatures, contribute to poverty.
He encouraged local governments to invest in adaptation and mitigation initiatives, such as agroforestry, climate-smart agriculture, and climate-resilient infrastructure.
The initiative is part of the Local Climate Adaptive Living (LoCAL) Facility, launched in 2011 to channel climate financing to local governments.
The facility has already been expanded to 14 local governments and is expected to be scaled nationwide by the fiscal year 2025/26.
PS Kumumanya chairs inaugural meeting of Project Technical Advisory Committee for UNCDF-Funded Local Climate Adaptive Living Facility, stressing the importance of collective action against climate change at Ministry Headquarters
Key Benefits of Tree Planting:
- Restores Forest Cover: Helps to replenish Uganda’s forest cover, which has been depleted over the years.
- Mitigates Climate Change: Contributes to global efforts to combat climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
- Improves Quality of Life: Enhances the livelihoods of local communities by providing shade, improving air quality, and supporting biodiversity.
- Supports Sustainable Development: Aligns with Uganda’s sustainable development goals, including poverty reduction and environmental conservation.
By investing in tree planting and climate resilience initiatives, Uganda is taking proactive steps to address the challenges posed by climate change.
