UPDF, NEMA, And NFA Rally Entebbe Schools Tree In Planting And Conservation Drive

The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) Air Force, in partnership with environmentalists and the Entebbe Municipal Council, launched a youth-driven environmental campaign dubbed Students Go Green Initiative at Marines Primary School playgrounds in Entebbe.

Held under the theme “Go Green: Each Tree Counts—Plant It, Nurture It, and Protect It,” the initiative seeks to promote environmental conservation among learners. It is supported by the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), National Forestry Authority (NFA), and involves 16 schools within Entebbe Municipality.

Officiating at the launch, the Deputy Commander Air Force, Maj Gen David Isimbwa, commended all stakeholders for working with schools to create a cleaner and healthier environment for learners.

He emphasised the need for immediate environmental action, echoing President Yoweri Museveni’s caution that “the changing climate and weather conditions are putting our communities, agriculture, health, water supply, hydro power supply, road infrastructure, and housing at greater risk and making us more vulnerable. We can’t afford to delay action.”

Maj Gen Isimbwa highlighted the importance of trees beyond their aesthetic value, noting their role in improving air quality, mitigating climate change, and sustaining ecosystems.

He urged students and teachers to take responsibility for nurturing and protecting the trees planted under the programme and pledged the UPDF’s continued support for NEMA’s environmental initiatives across all military units and departments.

The event was graced by Mr. Fabrice Rulinda, the Mayor of Entebbe Municipality and CEO of TAO, who donated 8,000 tree seedlings to participating schools. Representatives from NEMA, NFA, and several schools in Entebbe also attended the launch.