Hoima City | THE BLACK EXAMINER | Absa Bank Uganda has teamed up with Hostalite Limited to launch the Green Hoima campaign, a reforestation initiative with the goal of planting 50,000 indigenous tree species in Hoima City.

The project will focus on planting trees in 33 primary schools, four tertiary institutions, and seven secondary schools within Hoima City, with a dedicated mission to enhance the area’s green cover.

During the campaign’s inauguration, Helen Basuuta Nangonzi, Absa’s Marketing and Customer Experience Director, commended Hoima City for its efforts in combating climate change. She highlighted the recent impacts of changing weather patterns, specifically referencing the flooding of River Katonga, which had adverse effects on transportation routes.

Nangonzi emphasized the importance of addressing the challenges posed by erratic weather patterns, deforestation, and the loss of biodiversity. The tree-planting project aims to not only enhance the natural beauty of the region but also provide shade and establish a lasting legacy for future generations.

According to Global Forest Watch, Uganda’s tree cover in 2010 extended over 6.93 million hectares, covering 29% of its land area. However, in 2022, the country experienced a loss of 64.1 thousand hectares of tree cover, equivalent to approximately 33.3 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions.

The rapid population growth of Hoima City has significantly impacted its forest cover, which expanded from 343,600 hectares in 2002 to 548,800 hectares by 2012 following the discovery of oil reserves.

Highlighting Absa Bank Uganda’s commitment to environmental sustainability, Nangonzi underscored the importance of corporations in promoting a greener and healthier planet. She emphasized that the initiative aligns with Absa’s agenda to mitigate climate change and support environmental conservation.

The collaboration seeks to lay the foundation for an ongoing effort to protect and preserve the environment, underscoring the significance of each tree planted as a symbol of hope for a better future. Nangonzi urged all participants to view the event as the beginning of a long-term commitment to environmental conservation.

Hoima City Mayor Brian Kaboyo commended Absa Bank’s contribution and encouraged other corporate entities to follow suit in environmental preservation efforts.

Dickson Mushabe, CEO of Hostalite, reiterated the organization’s dedication to addressing climate change by focusing on Sustainable Development Goal 13: Climate Action. Under their Greening Africa project, Hostalite aims to transform communities and the planet through tree planting initiatives.

The strategic collaboration between Absa Bank Uganda and Hostalite Limited embodies a commitment to creating a sustainable, greener future for generations to come.