Uganda’s forest cover continues to diminish significantly, driven by population growth, rising demand for fuel, and agricultural expansion. The consequences are dire ranging from climate change impacts such as global warming and biodiversity loss, to disrupted water cycles and growing food insecurity.
According to a report by Global Forest Watch, Uganda lost 1.16 million hectares of tree cover between 2001 and 2024, representing 15% of its total tree cover in the year 2000.
In response to this alarming trend, ICEA LION has reaffirmed its commitment to environmental sustainability by pledging to plant 2,400 trees across selected Ugandan schools by the end of the year. So far, 60 trees have been planted at St. Mark’s College Namagoma, 100 trees at City High School, and 400 trees at Mother Kevin Primary School.
ICEA LION partnered with KCB Bank and My Tree Initiative a youth-founded non-profit dedicated to climate action and building greener communities for a tree-planting activity held at Padre Pio Nursery and Primary School and Exodus College School in Wakiso District. A total of 1,005 trees were planted across both schools.
The event also featured sessions on financial literacy and environmental stewardship, aimed at empowering students with knowledge for personal growth and sustainable living.
Speaking during the event, Daniel Kairu, Head of Business Development and Marketing at ICEA LION General Insurance, stated:
“Today we plant trees with you not just to give us clean air and a greener future, but also to remind you that, just like trees, your savings can grow when you nurture them. Together with our partners, we want to see both your environment and your dreams flourish.”
Bagaine Musoke, Head of Retail at KCB Bank, emphasized tree planting as a symbol of long-term investment in community development:
“At KCB Bank, everything we do is about investing in our communities whether through green energy, tree planting, or other initiatives that add value. Because when we nurture the environment, we nurture the future of our customers too.”
Each student was given the opportunity to plant and name a tree, leaving behind a personal symbol of commitment to a greener future and establishing themselves as ambassadors of their environment.
