KAMPALA, Uganda – ICEA LION Uganda has strengthened its commitment to environmental sustainability and youth empowerment by planting 1,500 trees at two schools in partnership with KCB Bank Uganda.
The initiative, part of ICEA LION’s Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) programme, saw 1,200 trees planted at Namiryango High School and another 300 at St. Mary’s Junior School. The project supports Uganda’s national tree-planting campaign while encouraging students to take an active role in protecting the environment.
Speaking during the exercise, ICEA LION Uganda’s Human Resource and Administration Officer, Sheillah Bagambe, described the initiative as a long-term investment in both the environment and future generations.
“What we do today remains for years to come. These trees will continue to serve the school, the teachers and future generations of students. We deliberately partnered with Namiryango because this is a school that values nature, maintains a clean environment and is committed to shaping young people who will build a better future. We are proud to be part of this journey,” Bagambe said.
She noted that tree planting goes beyond environmental conservation, saying it demonstrates the company’s commitment to building sustainable communities and creating lasting social impact through its ESG strategy, which also focuses on community development and financial literacy.
Representing KCB Bank Uganda, Farouq Kakuru encouraged students to view the trees as symbols of growth, resilience and purposeful living.
He urged learners to embrace opportunities beyond the classroom, emphasizing that regardless of their future careers, success would depend on making informed decisions, building meaningful relationships and remaining committed to personal growth.
Students of Namilyango High School pose with tree seedlings ready for planting
Kakuru also challenged the students to take responsibility for nurturing the trees to maturity, stressing that environmental conservation requires continuous care rather than a one-time planting exercise.
Receiving the trees, Namiryango High School Headteacher Nassali Betty Vumuliya thanked ICEA LION and KCB Bank Uganda for supporting environmental conservation and education.
“We are incredibly grateful to ICEA LION and KCB Bank for this generous donation. These trees will help keep our school environment clean and green while enabling us to contribute to the government’s tree-planting initiative. Thank you for investing in our environment and our future,” she said.
The initiative comes as Uganda continues to intensify efforts to restore forest cover and mitigate the effects of climate change. ICEA LION says collaborations with educational institutions provide an effective platform for instilling environmental responsibility in young people while contributing to national sustainability goals.
For the students of Namiryango High School and St. Mary’s Junior School, the 1,500 newly planted trees will stand as lasting symbols of environmental stewardship, collective action and a shared commitment to building a greener future.
