By Bazio Doreen,

Adjumani District Local Government has reaffirmed its commitment to environmental conservation and climate resilience through the establishment of a 2.5-acre woodlot at Elegu Primary School in Arinyapi Sub-county as part of activities marking World Environment Day 2026.

The district-led initiative brought together political leaders, technical officers, development partners, teachers, learners, and community members in a tree-planting exercise aimed at restoring degraded ecosystems and promoting sustainable environmental management.

Speaking during the event, the District Natural Resources Officer, Mr. Giyaya Charles, noted that environmental degradation remains one of the key challenges facing Adjumani District due to increasing demand for land, firewood, charcoal production, and settlement expansion.

He explained that the district has embarked on a campaign to plant approximately 2,000 trees in schools, institutions, and communities to support ecosystem restoration and strengthen climate resilience.

“Tree planting is one of the most practical interventions for addressing environmental degradation. Beyond restoring ecosystems, trees help improve soil fertility, protect water sources, sequester carbon, and support livelihoods,” Mr. Giyaya said.

According to Uganda’s forestry records, the country experienced a significant decline in forest cover from approximately 24 percent in 1990 to about 12 percent by 2017, largely due to deforestation and land-use change. While recent restoration efforts have contributed to gradual recovery in some areas, government agencies continue to emphasize the need for sustained conservation and reforestation programmes.

The Chairperson of Adjumani District Local Government, Hon. Anyanzo John Ambayo, said the district’s environmental restoration efforts directly support Uganda’s national climate change commitments and sustainable development priorities.

“Environmental protection is not only about conserving nature; it is also about protecting livelihoods, food security, and the future of our communities. Every tree planted today contributes to a healthier and more resilient Adjumani,” he said.

Hon. Ambayo further urged schools and communities to take ownership of the planted trees to ensure their survival and long-term environmental benefits.

The Resident District Commissioner, Mr. Toko Swaib, emphasized that climate change is increasingly affecting communities across Uganda through prolonged dry spells, erratic rainfall patterns, floods, and declining agricultural productivity.

“Climate change is no longer a future threat. It is already affecting our communities and livelihoods. We must all take responsibility by restoring our environment and adopting sustainable practices,” he said.

The district’s initiative aligns with Uganda’s broader climate action agenda under the National Climate Change Act, 2021, and the country’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), which seek to strengthen climate resilience, increase forest cover, and promote sustainable natural resource management.

Nationally, Uganda has registered progress in ecosystem restoration. Recent government reports indicate that wetland coverage has recovered from 8.9 percent in the early 2020s to 13.9 percent by 2025 following targeted restoration interventions. Similar efforts are being implemented across the country to restore forests, wetlands, and other critical ecosystems.

This year’s World Environment Day was commemorated under Uganda’s national theme, “Climate Action Begins with You: Act Now,” which calls upon citizens, institutions, and communities to take practical steps toward addressing climate change and safeguarding the environment for future generations.

As Uganda prepares to host the National World Environment Day celebrations in Adjumani District in 2026, the district has positioned itself as a key contributor to national efforts aimed at restoring ecosystems, promoting climate action, and building a greener and more sustainable future.

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