Families in Mukono district have been encouraged to embrace tree planting do as to regenerate and protect the environment.

This, environments say, will go a long way in improving livelihoods through improved health, farm outputs, and conducive weather.  

The good counsel and promise were by made by a team of environmentalists from Eco Talk Africa, a national environment non-governmental organization led by Moses Nimusiimah, the Executive Director.

“The family is the nucleus of the community, therefore, if every family planted at least fruit trees, then we can have a good start to this journey of conservation of the environment,” Nimusiimah in Mukono.

The Eco Talk Africa was in Mukono district piloting the upcoming 10-trees per family environment conservation model that will see at least each family in Uganda get ten different mostly fruit trees to plant in their backyard.

NImusiimah said they are going to give out 8 fruit trees, one tree for the family shade, and a winder breaker tree. The fruit trees will include mango, orange tree, jackfruit, guava, avocado, lime tree, lemon tree, and tangerine.

“The good thing with these trees is that they not only restore and protect the environment but also improve nutrition in a home. The tree fruits have expansive health values. We want to encourage every family in the country to have these trees,” Nimusiimah explained.

Lawrence Lukwago, the Local Council One Chairperson of Kizima village, Makukuba parish in Nakifuma sub-county, Mukono district where this program was piloted, welcomed the idea saying cutting down trees has left the area land bare and unproductive.

“I usually rally my people in Kizima to preserve trees and the environment. This land was used to trees but when machines came, our people have cut down the trees we had,” Lukwago stated.

Adding: “This has affected farm outputs because of the change in weather patterns caused by deforestation. I will call on my people and encourage them to plant trees now that you have come and you have the trees.”

Yahaya Mabike, a resident of Kizima said the program by Eco Talk Africa is good and welcome to their village. “We are very appreciative. This responsibility of planting trees and preserving the environment will not only benefit us but also our children and their children.

We are thankful for this. I am going to be strict with the children to see that we groom these trees together. We should love what Eco Talk Africa has brought us,” he said upon receiving the ten trees.

Frank Mugisha, the Programs Manager of Eco Talk Africa noted that parents should plant these trees with their children and encourage the young ones to look after the trees. 

“Children should learn that planting trees is not a luxury but a responsibility,” Mugisha said, adding “The children should know that they will get fruits from these trees and a good environment.”