The Speaker of Parliament, Anita Annet Among, has revealed that there are plans by the Parliamentary Commission to embark on a nationwide tree-planting campaign in order to avert the adverse effects of climate change.
According to Among, who was speaking to members of Parliament on the Parliamentary Commission on March 28, 2024, at her office in parliament, Uganda has grappled with heat waves in the past two months, and this has prompted the need to plant trees.
“The country has witnessed rapid environmental and climatic changes due to increased deforestation, swamp reclamation, pollution, and general environmental degradation,” Among said.
Among urged Ugandans to plant trees in their communities, saying everyone is responsible for championing environmental conservation in their respective localities.
“I have previously emphasized the need for climate change mitigation through tree planting, responsible environment, and natural resources. I urge you all to lead tree planting campaigns in your constituencies,” Among added.
The temperatures in Kampala city have increased by 1.5 °C in the last five decades, and the urban heat island effects are becoming more significant. A major rise in temperatures across the city has been observed in the last three decades, with 2009, 2016, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, and early 2024 recorded as the hottest years.
