July 1, 2023 – National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) partnered with ABSA Bank Uganda and the Kampala Has House Harriers to participate in the 80km Kampala-Jinja relay under the theme Run for the Environment.

The relay saw over 25 teams, with specific athletes running for at least 10 KM before passing the baton to a member of their team.

The main activity of the relay was a stopover at Najjembe Division headquarters in Buikwe district where the partners launched a campaign to plant 10,000 trees in degraded sections of Mabira Central Forest Reserve under the guidance of the National Forestry Authority.

While flagging off the runners, Michael Segwaya, Absa Bank Uganda’s Executive Director and Chief Finance Officer, said, “We are always on the lookout for opportunities to positively impact our natural environment, and this is why we are running for the environment, to actively contribute to the re-greening of the magnificent Mabira forest and to be able to do so while encouraging the public to adopt a healthy lifestyle.”

Wilbert Ikilai, the NEMA Manager for Environment Education and Advocacy, said, “We applaud the private sector for finding unique ways to demonstrate their commitment to protecting and preserving Uganda’s precious green cover. Through initiatives like this, we can restore the environment. Partnerships are the way to go to ensure sustainable conservation of forests and natural resources in Uganda. I call upon all stakeholders including local governments, education institutions, the civil society, and others to join in the cause of reforestation and restoration of the environment in Uganda’’

Conserving forests is vital for our survival because they help us maintain a pure and clean environment. They are a great source of oxygen, take up carbon dioxide exhaled by all, plus area a habitat for a wide variety of biodiversity.

According to the 2018-2019 state of environment report, Uganda’s forest cover has been declining over the past decades. However between 2010 and 2017 there was an increment in plantation forests from 3% to 8% of the total land cover. Overall decline in forest cover has also been halted and, for the first time since 1990, a net forest gain has been recorded.

Forest loss has mainly been due to conversion of forest land for agriculture, charcoal burning, firewood and building materials.