Jinja: The National Private Education Institutions Association (NPEIA), in collaboration with Jinja City, has launched a tree planting initiative across Jinja and the entire country as part of their 30th-anniversary celebrations. This initiative is in line with the Presidential Initiative on Banana Industrial Development (PIBID) and aims to promote environmental conservation and banana plantation in Uganda.
The tree planting program also served as a prelude to the National Prayers for candidates at all academic levels, organized by NPEIA at Jinja Progressive Academy (JPRA) in Jinja City. Private school proprietors and their candidates from P.7, S.4, and S.6 from various parts of Uganda gathered at JPRA to seek divine intervention in the upcoming Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB) examinations.
This day marked the celebration of NPEIA’s 30th year of existence in Uganda. The celebration began with a tree planting campaign, where over three million trees were planted at schools, hospitals, historical sites, police stations, places of worship, streets, and the source of the Nile, among other locations.
Hajji Swaibu Kitezaala, the director of JPRA, explained that the national prayers were a way to thank God for the progress of their private institutions and to seek His guidance and wisdom for candidates to excel in their final examinations. It also provided an opportunity for private school proprietors to come together, collaborate, and enhance their role in the education sector.
In his address, Ismail Mulindwa, the director of basic and secondary education in the Ministry of Education and Sports, urged school directors to refrain from engaging in examination malpractices, which he described as a risk to candidates and schools.
The Kiira Regional Police Command, a beneficiary of the tree planting program, praised NPEIA and PIBID, led by Florence Isabirye Muganga, for their passionate collaboration in combating climate change and beautifying Jinja City. This initiative is expected to boost the tourism industry and safeguard the well-being of future generations, both human and natural.
“This is a remarkable and memorable moment for us in Jinja. We are delighted to be prioritized by the team actively advocating for tree planting in our homes and workplaces. For the sake of human civilization, every citizen should plant at least one tree,” said SP James Mubi, representing SSP Rogers Sseguya, the regional police commander.
