Equity Bank Uganda has launched a two-year Green Schools Programme aimed at planting 200,000 trees across the country by December 2027.
The programme will begin with 50,000 trees planted in 25 schools across 10 districts, starting at Nakanyonyi Secondary School in Kalagi, Mukono District.
Equity Bank Uganda Managing Director Gift Shoko said the initiative goes beyond tree planting, with the programme designed to create long-term environmental benefits through school-based orchards.
Under the programme, Equity Bank will plant an additional 150,000 trees through dedicated school orchards, while tracking the environmental impact as part of its Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) agenda.
“This programme contributes to Equity’s wider ambition of planting 35 million trees across East Africa under our Energy, Environment and Climate Change pillar,” Shoko said.
The programme was launched by Minister of Public Service and patron of My Tree Initiative, Gen Edward Katumba Wamala, who called for stronger action against people involved in activities that degrade the environment.
Katumba urged environmental authorities and other watchdogs to enforce existing measures aimed at protecting the country’s natural resources.
Eng Sowed Sewagudde, Acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Water, Lands and Environment, said the Government would continue supporting restoration efforts across the country.
He said Government programmes would complement initiatives by Equity Bank and other private sector players working to protect and restore the environment.
The Green Schools Programme is expected to involve schools in environmental conservation while creating spaces where students can learn about tree planting and the importance of protecting the environment.
