April 3, 2025 (Kotido, Uganda) – The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), through its Land Governance Unit, in collaboration with Kotido Municipality and with support from the African Development Bank (AfDB), launched a tree planting initiative in Kotido Municipality in the Karamoja sub region of Uganda.
The launch event was attended by key stakeholders, including the Resident District Commissioner (RDC) of Kotido Districtt, the Mayor of Kotido Municipality, the Town Clerk, municipal councillors, and officials from the departments of Physical Planning, Education, and Environment. Representatives from AfDB, technical experts from Uganda’s Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, and the Ministry of Water and Environment also participated, alongside members of civil society organizations and grassroots women leaders.
Objectives of the Initiative
The tree planting initiative aims to enhance environmental sustainability while supporting climate adaptation and mitigation efforts. By planting indigenous and multi-purpose trees, including shade and fruit trees, the initiative will promote greening and afforestation at community, educational, and institutional levels. This effort will not only contribute to long-term environmental conservation but also improve local livelihoods. Additionally, the initiative seeks to raise awareness about the dangers of deforestation and the benefits of sustainable land management, ensuring that communities in Kotido Municipality actively participate in preserving their natural resources for future generations.
Key Remarks
In his opening remarks, RDC Charles Ichogor, highlighting the severe impact of climate change in Kotido, stressed the need for urgent action, particularly in curbing indiscriminate tree cutting and bush burning, which have contributed to environmental degradation. The project, he noted, is well designed to prioritize women’s involvement, recognizing their critical role in food production and environmental conservation. He assured IGAD and AfDB of the government’s full support in implementing the project, aligning with Uganda’s national environmental policies. He urged stakeholders to ensure that all planted trees thrive, stressing that no tree must wither. Furthermore, he encouraged women beneficiaries to become environmental ambassadors, extending the project’s impact beyond the initial participants. Looking ahead, he proposed designating April 3rd as an annual tree-planting day in Kotido, showing long-term commitment to restoring the region’s ecosystem.
IGAD’s Head of Mission to Uganda and Land Governance Coordinator, Joselyn Bigirwa, explained that IGAD and its partners, including the AfDB, chose Kotido for this intervention because of its existing physical plan and commitment to environmental sustainability. Beyond climate adaptation, she emphasized that the initiative has a far-reaching impact on multiple sectors, including education, health, water, and energy. By providing fruit trees, water tanks, and energy-efficient cooking stoves, the project supports nutrition, access to clean water, and reduced reliance on charcoal, contributing to environmental conservation and improved livelihoods. She reaffirmed IGAD’s commitment to ensuring the project’s long-term success, calling on local leaders and beneficiaries to nurture the trees and sustain the initiative. Further, she expressed optimism that in the coming years, Kotido would showcase the project’s success, attracting further investments in climate resilience and sustainable development.
Mr. Bela Emile Kouakou, Programme and Communication Officer at the Africa Climate Change Fund (ACCF) Secretariat under the African Development Bank (AfDB), emphasized the Bank’s unwavering commitment to supporting Uganda, particularly the community of Kotido. He highlighted the institution’s dedication to ensuring that even the most remote communities have access to essential funding for climate resilience. The initiative is funded through the Africa Climate Change Fund (ACCF), a trust fund managed by AfDB to strengthen climate adaptation and mitigation efforts across the continent. He reaffirmed the Bank’s commitment to ensuring that communities in Uganda, including those in hard-to-reach areas like Kotido, benefit from the resources available through the ACCF.
IGAD’s Support and Next Steps
The tree planting initiative was simultaneously undertaken across 10 schools and two educational administrative offices in Kotido’s two divisions. The participating institutions included Panyangara Primary School (300 trees), Panyangara Secondary School (500 trees), Kotido Secondary School (500 trees), Kanawat Primary School (300 trees), Mary Mother of God Primary School (300 trees), Kotido Mixed Primary School (300 trees), Lomukura Primary School (300 trees), Kotido Army Primary School (300 trees), Kotido Technical School (500 trees), and Kotido Girls Primary School (300 trees). Additionally, North Division Educational Offices and West Division Educational Offices received 700 trees each.
Additionally, 10 water tanks of 1,000 liters each, 100 watering cans, 100 hoes, 100 wheelbarrows, 60 watering tubes, and 100 energy-saving stoves for women were distributed to the Schools and women beneficiaries. These resources are aimed at ensuring proper tree maintenance and promoting sustainable environmental practices. Beyond tree planting, the project directly supports 100 women beneficiaries and 10 educational institutions which are seven primary schools, two secondary schools, and one technical school thereby reaching thousands of students and community members.
Local authorities including the departments of Environment and Education at the Kotido Municipality have undertaken to ensure that the trees are nurtured for maximum success rate. Also, environmental clubs in the Schools were tasked with taking ownership of the initiative, ensuring that the planted trees grow and contribute to a greener Kotido
This project not only strengthens climate resilience but also encourages a culture of environmental stewardship, through the involvement of Kotido Municipality’s Environment and Education departments, as well as active participation from environmental clubs at the schools, paving the way for a greener and more sustainable Kotido. It is also a testament of IGAD’s commitment to communities at the grassroots level and their involvement in their community development initiatives.
