In a significant boost to the environmental conservation efforts of the Kyabazinga of Busoga, William Gabula Nadiope IV, the Greening Busoga Initiative has received thirty million tree seedlings from the GRO Foundation. The initiative, aimed at restoring and conserving the environment in the kingdom, aligns with the Kyabazinga’s vision for a greener Busoga.
The donation and program brief were officially received on December 21st by Busoga Kingdom’s second deputy Prime Minister, Owek Alhaj Osman Ahmed Noor, on behalf of the Kyabazinga. The GRO Foundation delegation, led by founder Paul Mukalazi Senoga Flynn, and officials from the Inter-Religious Council, including Mr. Mukwaya, were hosted at Igenge Palace in Jinja City.
The Kyabazinga, during his 9th Coronation anniversary, declared a concerted effort to green and restore the natural environment in Busoga. The initiative encourages the planting of indigenous trees, crop/fruit trees, medicinal trees, and commercial ones.
The GRO Foundation’s mission, in line with the Kyabazinga’s vision, aims to re-green and restore the environment globally. The foundation, together with the Inter-Religious Council and other stakeholders, plans to plant 250 million trees throughout Uganda by 2035. Busoga region has been chosen to pilot the project, starting with an initial donation of 30 million tree seedlings.
The trees will be strategically planted across all 11 chiefdoms of Busoga Kingdom to contribute to the restoration of its forest cover, combating deforestation and the impacts of climate change.
Speaking at the event, Paul Mukalazi revealed that the GRO Foundation intends to plant one billion trees worldwide, valued at $250 million, by 2030. In Uganda, their commitment includes planting 250 million trees, with the initial 30 million earmarked for Busoga Kingdom. Mukalazi emphasized their vision to use carbon trading and climate finance to alleviate poverty in communities, providing skills training in tree planting and supporting vulnerable populations.
Owek Alhaj Osman, expressing gratitude on behalf of the Kyabazinga, highlighted the environmental challenges Busoga has faced, emphasizing the need to restore forests. He urged the people of Busoga to embrace the initiative, as it aligns with cultural norms and contributes to poverty alleviation through carbon credit trading.
The Deputy Katuukiro announced the launch of the project, with the Kyabazinga and Inhebantu Jovia Mutesi planting the first trees at the palace. Mukwaya James, representing the Inter-Religious Council, highlighted their collaboration with the GRO Foundation in implementing the project, emphasizing its operational success in other countries globally.
Key Busoga Kingdom ministers, including the Minister for Kyabazinga Affairs, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Attorney General, and Permanent Secretary, were present at the event, underscoring the importance of the initiative to the kingdom.
