June 26, 2026Equity Bank Uganda has intensified its commitment to environmental conservation through a large-scale tree planting campaign in Mpigi District, carried out in partnership with My Tree Initiative. The exercise took place at Kyasanku Hill College in Kasanje, where students, teachers, community leaders and other stakeholders joined hands to promote environmental restoration and strengthen Uganda’s fight against climate change.
The school dedicated two acres of land for the project, allowing participants to plant a variety of indigenous and fruit trees. The initiative is expected to improve forest cover, boost biodiversity, enhance food security and create long-term economic opportunities for surrounding communities. It also encourages young people to take an active role in protecting the environment.The campaign forms part of Equity Bank Uganda’s sustainability programme under the Africa Recovery and Resilience Plan (ARRP), which focuses on promoting environmental protection alongside inclusive economic growth. The bank believes that conserving natural resources is essential for building resilient communities capable of withstanding the growing effects of climate change.Speaking during the event, Equity Bank Uganda’s Manager for Energy, Environment and Climate Change, Virginia Ssemakula, said environmental conservation is a shared responsibility that requires action from every sector. She noted that climate change continues to expose communities to floods, prolonged droughts and other environmental challenges, making sustainable investment more important than ever.
Ssemakula added that financial institutions have a significant role to play by supporting projects that protect ecosystems while improving people’s livelihoods. She reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to financing initiatives that encourage sustainable development and help create a greener future for Uganda.My Tree Initiative Executive Director Enjer Ashiraf described tree planting as more than an environmental activity, saying it is an investment in future generations and community well-being. He praised the partnership with Equity Bank Uganda for turning climate action into practical solutions while inspiring young people to become champions of environmental conservation.Guest of Honour and Mawokota North Member of Parliament Amelia Kyambadde called on Ugandans to stop the destruction of forests for short-term gains such as charcoal burning.
She reminded participants that trees provide clean air, preserve biodiversity, support food production and play a vital role in protecting the country’s ecosystems. She urged communities to view every tree planted as an investment in Uganda’s future.The Mpigi campaign adds to Equity Bank Uganda’s growing list of environmental projects across the country, including greening programmes in Bugisu, Busoga and other regions. Through partnerships with schools, local communities and civil society organisations, the bank aims to accelerate climate action, restore degraded landscapes and build a more sustainable and resilient Uganda for generations to come.
