Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) engaged in a massive environmental conservation drive in Kigezi sub-region, planting more than 30,000 trees in Kisoro, Kabale, Rukiga, Rubanda, Rukungiri and Kanungu districts as part of the first phase of civil-military activities ahead of the 45th Tarehe Sita anniversary next February.
The drive led by Brig Gen Micheal Kibuye, Director of Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) in UPDF, targeted key community areas and road stretches.
In a coordinated effort, soldiers joined local residents to plant a variety of tree and fruit species, promoting both environmental sustainability and human nutrition.
Brigadier General Justus Rukundo, heading the UPDF team in Rukungiri, described the initiative as a key component of the Tarehe Sita activities, emphasising UPDF’s role in promoting environmental security.
“This exercise is a symbol of environmental regeneration for a healthier ecosystem, which is a key pillar of our Tarehe Sita activities,” said Brig Gen Rukundo.
Representing the Bishop of North Kigezi Diocese, Rev. Canon Baingana Eric Mugyenzi underscored the significance of the tree-planting exercise in Kigezi noting that trees are vital for environmental protection and human health. He pledged to encourage Christians to actively support and sustain the initiative.
In Rukiga District, several trees were planted along the Rukiri road, with additional plantings at sub-county and district headquarters, and in Kamwezi Town Council.
Lt Col Richard Nimanya, head of Operations for CIMIC, said that the activity is integral to the army’s security mandate.
“Human security involves protecting the environment where the people live,” he said.
He emphasised that strategic tree planting along roads, such as at Rukiri, would help reduce soil erosion, protect the roads and ultimately improve road safety.
In Rubanda, the Assistant RDC, Mr. Martin Turyagenda, commended the UPDF as a “highly disciplined and battle-tested force,” thanking army leadership for focusing development and environmental efforts on the Kigezi region.
In related environmental activities, the UPDF not only joined residents in a sanitation drive to clean public places such as landing sites and markets but also constructed several aqua privy and VIP toilets in selected public places such as schools, health centres across the Kigezi sub-region.
The comprehensive environmental and sanitation drive forms part of a wider series of civil-military cooperation activities being conducted by the UPDF in the region as a gesture of appreciation to the communities that have historically supported the force.
