Photo : By greenlensug

By : Our Reporter

 Stakeholders in Masindi District have raised concern over the increasing levels of environmental degradation and air pollution caused by factories, motor vehicles and deforestation, warning that the trend is accelerating the impacts of climate change.

The concerns were raised during an environmental conservation and climate change awareness campaign held at Shines Foundation School in Masindi Municipality on Thursday July 23, 2026. The event brought together officials from the Ministry of Education and Sports, the Ministry of Water and Environment, religious leaders, education stakeholders and environmental advocates.

The Bishop of Masindi-Kitara Diocese, Rt. Rev. Joshua Kugonza, described the continued destruction of the environment as alarming and called on Ugandans to take collective responsibility for restoring nature through tree planting in schools, homes and public spaces.

He said environmental conservation is a shared responsibility that requires the active participation of individuals, communities and institutions to safeguard the country’s natural resources for future generations.

The Principal Assistant Secretary in the Office of the Chief Administrative Officer, Musa Kyamiza, urged communities to prioritize environmental conservation, emphasizing that while trees can exist without people, human beings cannot survive without trees.

Kyamiza commended Shines Foundation School for introducing environmental education to learners at an early age, saying this is key to nurturing a generation that values and protects the environment.

The Masindi Municipal Principal Education Officer, Samuel Peter Ayebale, observed that schools are among the major contributors to environmental degradation because many institutions depend on firewood for cooking but rarely replace the trees they cut down.

He challenged schools to establish tree-planting programmes and adopt sustainable environmental practices to reduce pressure on forest resources.

The Basic Education Specialist at the Ministry of Education and Sports, Abbey Musoke Bbosa, called for innovative alternatives to firewood, including briquettes and other clean energy technologies, saying such solutions can significantly reduce deforestation while promoting environmental sustainability.

Senior Education Officer at the Ministry of Education and Sports, Musa Birungi, revealed that the ministry is implementing a school greening programme aimed at increasing tree cover in learning institutions, beautifying school environments, improving food security and strengthening environmental clubs.

He said the initiative is intended to instill environmental stewardship among learners while enhancing the resilience of schools to climate change.

The Executive Director of Shines Children’s Foundation, Denis Kirya, said the organization is promoting environmental conservation through tree planting, recycling initiatives, environmental education, learner-led filmmaking on climate issues and the distribution of tree seedlings to schools and other institutions.

Presiding over the event, Erina Nabafu from the Climate Change Department at the Ministry of Water and Environment warned that Uganda is already experiencing the effects of climate change as a result of environmental degradation.

She urged communities to embrace tree planting and other sustainable environmental practices, while commending Shines Foundation School for its efforts in promoting climate action.

Nabafu also revealed that the Ministry of Water and Environment is working with partners to train teachers on climate change, promote recycling initiatives, engage young people in climate adaptation programmes and involve children in environmental decision-making processes.

Stakeholders at the event emphasized that addressing climate change requires coordinated efforts from government, schools, communities and the private sector to protect the environment and secure a sustainable future.