Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU) has signed a transformative memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) and Uganda Baati Limited under Uganda Baati Safal Foundation, marking the commencement of the tree-planting initiative.
This agreement was signed during the PSFU’s 27th Annual General Meeting at Kampala Serena Hotel and first award gala on December 6, 2023.
It emphasizes a shared commitment to strengthening resilience against climate change and environmental risks while jointly spearheading conservation efforts within an adaptive business ecosystem.
The MOU’s primary goal is to establish a robust framework for collaborative action, focusing specifically on an expansive tree-planting initiative. This transformative will endeavour to not only offset the impacts of climate change but also to cultivate a sustainable environment conducive to thriving business practices.
Ian Rumanyika, Head of External & Corporate Affairs at Uganda Baati, expressed his appreciation for this significant partnership, affirming, “This collaboration with the Private Sector Foundation Uganda signifies our promise to forging a sustainable future. Uganda Baati has a background of nurturing various forest reserves nationwide. Through our extensive experience and unwavering dedication, this tree-planting exercise underscores our ongoing efforts to create a positive environmental impact while fostering a business environment that ensures prosperity for future generations.”
Planting one million trees in Kampala
The Deputy Executive Director of KCCA, Eng David Luyimbazi Ssali, signed the agreement on behalf of the Authority, while Humphrey Nzeyi, the Chairman of PSFU, represented his organization in this collaborative effort.
The initiative aims to address the impact of Climate Change disasters and enhance Environmental Sustainability by planting one million trees within the Kampala Capital City.
The collaboration with PSFU involves planting over 1,000,000 trees, beautifying more than 20 acres of public green spaces, and encouraging businesses to contribute to the city’s greening efforts.
The MOU also seeks to provide information on innovative solutions, technologies, and investment opportunities in green projects, while advocating for policies that promote the greening of cities.
Currently with a tree population of over 200,000 trees with over 300 tree species, KCCA envisions the development of an urban forest to further enhance the city’s sustainability.
Hon. Kyofatogabye Kabuye, the Minister of State for Kampala Capital City and Metropolitan Affairs, emphasized the authority’s ongoing efforts in managing over 200 acres of public green spaces, encompassing parks, Non-Motorized Transport (NMT) corridors, playgrounds, road reserves, and medians.
Expressing gratitude for the collaboration with PSFU, Minister Kabuye outlined KCCA’s plans to establish an urban forestry management system.
This system will actively monitor the city’s urban forest, ensuring accountability and targeted tree-growing activities in areas with limited or no canopy cover.
Additionally, KCCA is working on a green spaces management system to optimize resource utilization by categorizing spaces based on required levels of management.
Humphrey Nzeyi, the chief guest, expressed gratitude to KCCA for spearheading this initiative and extended appreciation to Uganda Baati for supplying the seedlings for the tree-planting campaign.
The partnership aligns with plans to make Kampala a resilient city and enhance its aesthetic appeal.
He emphasized the importance of this collective endeavour, stating, “This partnership represents a significant step towards achieving the shared goal of a more sustainable and climate-resilient. By combining both organizations’ expertise and resources, this collaboration can make a meaningful impact on the lives of millions of people across the nation.”
The tree-planting initiative exemplifies the effectiveness of public-private collaborations in addressing urgent environmental issues through our CSI pillar – Environment.
