Stakeholders decry air pollution, call for environmental conservation in Masindi

Masindi: Stakeholders in Masindi District have expressed concern over increasing environmental degradation and air pollution caused by factories, vehicles, and widespread deforestation, warning that the trend is worsening the effects of climate change.

The concerns were raised on Thursday during an environmental conservation and climate change awareness campaign held at Shines Foundation School in Masindi Municipality.

Rt. Rev. Joshua Kugonza, the Bishop of Masindi Kitara Diocese, said the destruction of forests for sugarcane growing, industrial development, and other human activities has left the environment vulnerable, calling on communities to restore nature through tree planting.

“We must learn the principle of restoring the environment by planting trees where they did not exist, planting trees along boundaries, and practising agroforestry,” Bishop Kugonza said.

He revealed that the Church has launched an ambitious environmental campaign ahead of the Anglican Church Province’s 150th anniversary celebrations next year.

“As a province, we shall celebrate 150 years of existence next year by planting 50 million trees across the province. Our aim is to ensure the environment is conserved, and we shall work with institutions like this to implement the project,” he added.

The Bishop noted that schools, which heavily rely on firewood for cooking, should establish woodlots to replace the trees they consume and reduce pressure on natural forests.

Musa Kyamiza, the Principal Assistant Secretary in the Office of the Chief Administrative Officer, urged residents to embrace environmental conservation, saying human survival depends on trees.

“Trees can survive without human beings, but human beings cannot survive without trees. We should train children on the importance of conserving the environment so that we preserve it for the next generation,” Kyamiza said.

Samuel Peter Ayebale, the Masindi Municipal Principal Education Officer, observed that schools contribute significantly to environmental degradation by consuming large quantities of firewood without replacing the harvested trees.

“Schools procure lorries and trucks to ferry firewood, but they do not replant trees. If we educate children on the effects of cutting down trees while they are still young, we shall be saving nature,” Ayebale said.

Monica Kiiza, the Acting Masindi District Education Officer, commended Shines Children’s Foundation for integrating environmental conservation into learning, noting that Uganda’s competency-based curriculum emphasizes practical skills, creativity, innovation, and environmental stewardship.

She also applauded Nyabyeya Forestry College for partnering with the foundation to promote tree planting and pledged continued district support for environmental conservation initiatives in schools.

Abbey Musoke Bbosa, a Basic Education Specialist at the Ministry of Education and Sports, called for innovative alternatives to firewood, including the use of briquettes, to reduce deforestation.

“Firewood has become more expensive than food. We need innovation to conserve our environment because we cannot achieve Vision 2040 without protecting our natural resources,” Musoke said.

Musa Birungi, a Senior Education Officer at the Ministry of Education and Sports, said the ministry plans to implement school greening programmes aimed at increasing tree cover, strengthening food security through school gardens, and establishing environmental clubs.

“We want to strengthen food security in schools because many schools in Bunyoro, Northern and Eastern Uganda do not provide meals, yet we have favourable climatic conditions. School gardens can help provide food for learners,” Birungi said.

Denis Kirya, Executive Director of Shines Children’s Foundation, said the organisation is promoting environmental conservation by teaching learners about recycling, filmmaking using environmental themes, and tree planting.

He added that the foundation is distributing tree seedlings to schools and other institutions to encourage afforestation across the district.

Katusabe Erimus, a lecturer at Nyabyeya Forestry College, said the institution will establish a tree nursery at Shines Foundation School to ensure a steady supply of seedlings.

Speaking on behalf of the Ministry of Water and Environment, Erina Nabafu from the Climate Change Department said Uganda is already experiencing the effects of climate change due to environmental degradation.

She urged the public to embrace tree planting, recycling, and climate adaptation measures, adding that the ministry is also training teachers and involving young people in environmental conservation efforts to safeguard the country’s future.

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