Lango Initiates Tree-Planting Drive to Combat Climate Change
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Loading... - Ezra Muhindo
- 13 Jun 2023
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In a collaborative effort between the Lango cultural institution and the government, an extensive campaign has been launched to address the adverse effects of climate change by planting trees.
Yesterday, Tekwaro Lango, the Ministry of Water and Environment, and the National Forestry Authority (NFA) inaugurated a five-year campaign at Abia Seed Secondary School, located in Abia Sub-county, Alebtong District.
During this period, leaders from various clans will rally the community to plant a minimum of one million trees across Lira, Oyam, Kole, Apac, Otuke, Alebtong, Kwania, Dokolo, Amolatar districts, and Lira City. As part of this initiative, at least 2,000 trees will be planted at Abia Seed Secondary School, which is a government-aided educational institution offering comprehensive and affordable education for both genders, situated in Moroto County.
Mr. Levi Abongo, the school's head teacher, stated, "The world is evolving rapidly, and a time will come when we will face a scarcity of wood fuel. It is essential that we take action by establishing woodlots... Our school possesses 10 acres of land, sufficient for planting approximately 10,000 trees."
Dr. Moses Odongo Okune, the Paramount Chief of Tekwaro Lango, emphasized that extensive tree planting is expected to combat deforestation and mitigate the impacts of climate change, which are adversely affecting social and economic development in the sub-region.
Dr. Odongo, previously serving as the executive director of the Uganda Road Fund (URF), expressed gratitude towards the two government agencies for their collaboration. He stated, "We deeply appreciate your presence in the community. Your organizations demonstrate exemplary accountability in managing public funds."
He further added, "We have not received any reports of corruption or land grabbing concerning the NFA. We are proud of your efforts."
Dr. Odongo also acknowledged the commendable work carried out by the Ministry of Water and Environment in supporting local community endeavors to preserve the environment. He requested the council and cabinet leadership to arrange a meeting between the government agencies and the cultural leaders in Lango, enabling the exchange of knowledge on tree cultivation, which can subsequently be shared with their respective communities.
Mr. Alfred Okello Ogwok, a retired head teacher, applauded the intervention, aligning it with Sustainable Development Goal number 13, which calls for immediate action to combat climate change and its repercussions.
"For me, this launch of the tree-planting campaign is the highlight of my year and has significantly impacted my life. I am immensely proud that the Paramount Chief selected this location to inaugurate such a remarkable program," he expressed.
Mr. John Giribo, the NFA sector manager of West Lango, commended the stakeholders involved in the campaign. He noted, "As you journey from Apac through Kwania to Kole towards Lira, the forest cover is rapidly diminishing, and within the next decade, the region will face a scarcity of firewood. The only viable solution is to partner with Tekwaro Lango to rejuvenate the region through extensive tree planting."
