KAMPALA, June 8, 2024 – Capital City Authority [KCCA] has partnered with Absa Bank Uganda to plant 3,300 trees at KCCA’s Agricultural Resource Centre in Kyanja situated on an expanse of 4.9 acres.
The tree planting was held to commemorate World Environment Day on June 5, 2024, attracting attendance from Absa and KCCA staff and members of the community.
The International Day this year focused on land restoration, desertification, and drought resilience under the slogan, “Our land. Our future. We are #GenerationRestoration”.
Speaking at the launch, KCCA’s Head, Landscaping Unit, Isaac Mugumbule said the authority intends to continue improving the quality of life of city residents through efforts under the Greening Kampala Initiative.
“Kampala City is home to over 40 percent of the total national urban population and the increased population in the city has triggered excessive demand for infrastructure development directly impacting land and other environment resources inclusive of all ecologically sensitive areas,” said Mugumbule.
He said KCCA is working towards the development of a green and clean environment that befits attributes of a modern city which is climate resilient. “We are grateful for the support of private sector partners such as Absa towards enhancing these efforts,” he added.
According to KCCA, with an existing urbanisation rate of 5.5 percent, it is projected that the urban population in Kampala and the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area combined is likely to increase to eight million people by 2040.
The tree planting activity was held under an existing partnership with Absa Bank Uganda through which Absa dedicated Shs 490 million focused on three areas of intervention namely, supporting environmental sustainability, skilling of women and youth, and behavioural change communication.
“As Absa, we are cognisant of the large array of societal challenges facing us including economic development, job creation, quality education and the impact of climate change. Public and private sector collaboration can play a key role towards addressing challenges faced by our city including loss of tree cover,” he said.
“We have set out to plant mostly indigenous fruit trees today in alignment with our drive to build resilience and mitigate the impact of climate change in our communities,” said Edward Ocen, Director Legal and Company Secretary, Absa Uganda,” he added.
According to data from KCCA, over 80 percent of the trees in the city are foreign tree species, resulting in low survival rate. Through this partnership, Absa will boost KCCA efforts to plant indigenous trees, especially fruit trees that have a greater chance of survival within the community.
Under the partnership, Absa is working with the city authority to enhance youth skilling with the aim of increasing youth employability and supporting job creation specifically through KCCA programmes such as the Employment Services Bureau and Youth Centres and provide financial literacy to impart essential money skills to city dwellers.
https://thecooperator.news/water-environment-agencies-ask-for-extra-funds-in-next-budget/
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