UPDF launches tree planting campaign in Rwenzori Sub-region to combat climate change
The campaign was launched on Friday by the Division Commander who doubles as Commander of UPDF's Operation Shujaa in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Maj. Gen. Richard Otto.
FORT PORTAL, August 12, 2024 – To support government’s efforts geared towards combating climate change, the Uganda People’s Defense Forces [UPDF] Mountain Division has launched a campaign to plant more trees in the Rwenzori Subregion.
The campaign was launched on Friday by the Division Commander who doubles as Commander of UPDF’s Operation Shujaa in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Maj. Gen. Richard Otto, at the division headquarters in Fort Portal City. It targets to plant 10,000 trees in the first phase.
According to Otto, the tree planting project will be implemented in all the army brigades under the Mountain Division before rolling out to the civilian community.
” As UPDF, there are so many activities we do to support the government and communities apart from keeping peace and security in the country. Environment is for all of us and safeguarding it is our responsibility as human beings because it helps all of us. We are also doing to serve as an example to everyone both armed forces and the civilians,” said Otto.
He appealed to all UPDF officers to plant trees wherever they are deployed, saying it would protect, and promote a safe and friendly environment.
On his part, Deputy Division Commander Colonel Paul Muwonge who oversees the implementation of the project, encouraged the soldiers to embrace the project with enthusiasm, highlighting the importance of mitigating environmental challenges in the Rwenzori Sub-region.
“This region is a home to several rivers including Nyamwamba, Mubuku, Rwimi, Semliki, Lamia among others but they have been facing the challenge of bursting their banks, flooding and landslides due to human activities leading to loss of lives, displacement of people and disruption of lives,” said Muwonge.
He added that several people who were displaced due to the bursting of river banks in the area are still living in the temporary structures.
He called upon the general public to join the army in the region to plant more trees to save the present and the future and desist from destroying the environment.
Tree planting is a crucial factor in mitigating soil erosion and promoting sustainability.
For several years, the region has been facing the challenge of floods and landslides, resulting from the main rivers bursting their banks due to human activities along these river banks.
For instance, since 2014, River Nyamwamba has been bursting its banks, leading to loss of lives, crops, and other properties like houses, as it displaced thousands of people rendering them homeless.
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