Makerere University Students Contribute to Environmental Restoration
Makerere University students from the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) recently donated 800 umbrella tree seedlings to Kiboga District as part of their efforts to help the environment.
Led by Professor John Sseruyange, a lecturer in charge of the Environmental Economics course unit, the students are actively applying what they learn to work towards a greener Uganda. The initiative, which began last year, aims to address the decline in Uganda’s forest cover, which dropped from 25 percent in 1995 to just nine percent in 2015.
Professor Sseruyange emphasized the importance of educating the younger generation about the benefits of tree planting. He explained that by involving students, they hope to make a significant impact on restoring the depleted forests. Last year, they donated over 700 tree seedlings, and this year, they’ve increased the donation to 800 seedlings. Their goal is to continue expanding their efforts to Western Uganda in the coming years.
The project is a collaborative effort between the students and the college, with students contributing financially to purchase the tree seedlings.
Hillary Ainebyoona, the team leader behind the initiative, highlighted the critical role trees play in preserving and restoring the ecosystem. He encouraged others to join in the cause of environmental conservation.
The seedlings donated by the students will be distributed to various government facilities, including schools, public roads, and health facilities, as part of Kiboga District’s efforts to combat the challenges posed by global warming.
In response to the students’ efforts, Can Edward Musingye, the Kiboga District chief administrative officer, commended Makerere University and urged other institutions to follow suit, emphasizing the importance of collective action for a better world.
Ivan Male, assistant district forest officer, stressed the significance of trees in sustaining life on Earth and called on individuals to plant at least one tree in their homes and communities.
Gloria Chebet, a student at CoBAMS, hopes to enhance her career prospects while contributing to environmental restoration and climate change mitigation through her participation in the program. She recalled that the initiative began as a classroom discussion about the need to restore forest cover in response to the growing population.