The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) partnered with the Local Governments of Manafwa and Mbale districts to promote orchard farming and environmental conservation in the Elgon Sub-region.
The launch of fruit distribution and planting was conducted at the Military Police Barracks in Mbale City by UPDF and other Senior Government leaders.
Speaking at the function, the Resident City Commissioner (RCC) for Mbale City, Mr. Ahamada Wasaki, commended the President and Commander-in-Chief of Uganda’s Defence Forces, Gen Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, for conducting the last edition of the Defence Forces Week and advancing environmental protection in the Elgon Sub-Region.
Mr. Ahamada Washaki, the RCC for Mbale City (Blue suit) waters a fruit seedling after planting.
He said: ”We are here to enforce the Presidential Directive on environmental conservation and protection.”
The RCC called upon residents to protect the environment since it is now criminal to engage in unlawful activities such as wetland encroachment and deforestation.
The Zonal Commander, Lt Col John Luyima, who spoke on behalf of the UPDF 3 Infantry Division Commander, Brig Gen Joseph Balikuddembe, noted that UPDF will always stay committed to steering activities that cause social economic transformation to the people of the Elgon Sub-region and beyond.
Lt Col John Luyima, Zonal Commander, UPDF 3 Infantry Division, Rear plants a tree seedling at the Military Police Barracks.
“As UPDF we are delighted and remain focused towards the course for the promotion of fruit production and having a conducive ecosystem for our people,” he said.
He promised that the same activities will eventually roll out to other districts but in a phased manner.
The Mayor of Mbale City, His Worship Namugali Cassim, appreciated the good gesture from UPDF of extending fruit tree seedlings to residents. He called upon beneficiaries to ensure the steady growth of all the seedlings.
City Mayor, Namugali Cassim plants a tree seedling at the launch
Mayor Cassim noted that besides environmental conservation, the fruit seedlings will benefit people in the Elgon Sub – region with food, are a health multiplier and have some economic value.
The region was recently hit by recent torrential rains causing loss of lives and property. “Its very easy to cut a tree but sometimes difficult to destroy a fruit tree as it offers food,” His Worship Namugali Cassim scoffed.
The City Senior Environmental Officer, Ms. Nyaribi Rhoda, (SEO) who spoke on behalf of the environmental team alluded that besides fruit production and acting as wind breakers, the fruit planting initiative also helps to moderate climatic conditions and provides a good breeze for humanity.
Ms. Nyaribi Rhoda City Senior Environmental Officer plants a fruit seedling
She explained that the green campaign plan is targeting to plant over a million trees for each constituency; and aims at mitigating effects caused by climatic change. “As environmentalists, we are committed to ensure that these seedlings are planted, watered and monitored,” Ms. Nyaribi assured participants.
She also requested for more fruit tree seedlings from UPDF.
The target beneficiaries for phase one tree seedlings distribution are Schools and organized communities in Mbale City, Mbale and Manafwa Districts with each Government administrative unit taking 1500 fruit seedlings.
The 5000 fruit tree seedlings that were earlier donated by ONE MILLION TREE INTERNATIONAL company to support the 41st Army Week and Defence Forces Activities will be distributed and planted in selected areas around the Elgon Sub -region.
The availed organic species included: mangoes, Guavas, Ovacados and jack fruits.
Also present at the launch of the fruit tree seedlings initiative included; Mr. Banja Hamza (D/RCC Industrial Division), Mr. Kagenyi Lukka (D/RDC Manafwa) and Ms Recheal Kakungulu from One Million Tree International.
Others included; Mr. Wotunya Peter Henry (Chief Administrative Officer, Manafwa), Ms. Racheal Nambuya (District Education Officer, Manafwa) and Mr. Waluku John Inspector of Schools, Mbale City, among others.