Karuhanga Calls for Mandatory Tree Planting in Schools as Makerere Launches Green Campaign

What the report says

Ntungamo Municipality MP Gerald Karuhanga has called on the Ugandan government to make tree planting a nationwide priority in schools and higher education institutions, arguing that it could support environmental sustainability, help address climate change and improve public health. His remarks came during the launch of Makerere University’s Green Campaign, which aims to increase tree planting on campus and encourage environmentally responsible behavior among students and staff.

According to Nile Post, Karuhanga said the initiative should not stop at Makerere but should be extended to all educational institutions across the country. He suggested that schools and universities could become key entry points for building a culture of conservation among young people. He also urged officials to consider a broader national drive involving learners and other Ugandans, saying the approach could significantly expand tree cover.

The report also quoted Karuhanga estimating that if tree planting were integrated into primary and secondary schools, millions of trees could be added through student participation. That figure was presented as an example of the scale he believes the policy could achieve. The article did not indicate any formal government decision on the proposal.

Makerere’s Green Campaign, as described by the publisher, is also intended to reduce littering and strengthen environmental practices on campus. Student leaders welcomed the launch and said they hoped other universities would follow Makerere’s example. In a broader context, the appeal reflects growing public discussion in Uganda about climate resilience, tree cover and environmental education.