NRDI Director urges children to plant trees to combat climate change

12 January 2026, 12:50

By Lucky Patrick

The Executive Director of the National Resources Development Initiatives (NRDI), Edgar Muganzi, has called on children across Uganda to dedicate part of their long holiday to planting at least one tree each—a simple yet powerful way to combat climate change.

Speaking during an environmental awareness outreach over the weekend, Muganzi emphasised that children and young people play a crucial role in shaping the country’s future. He noted that if every child planted a single tree during the holiday period, millions of new trees would take root, significantly boosting national reforestation efforts.

“These children are the future stewards of our environment,” Muganzi said. “If each child planted just one tree, the cumulative impact would be tremendous. We would see a greener country, improved air quality, and healthier ecosystems. This is how we begin to reverse the harmful effects of climate change.”

Addressing the hot climate

Muganzi explained that Uganda, like many other countries, is increasingly experiencing the effects of climate change, including unpredictable rainfall, prolonged dry spells, and rising temperatures. He stressed that tree planting is among the most practical and accessible solutions for families and communities, while also emphasising the need to care for the wider ecosystem.

The NRDI director encouraged parents, schools, and local leaders to support young people in the initiative by providing seedlings, identifying safe planting areas, and monitoring the growth of the trees.

“This long holiday presents a perfect opportunity for children to learn hands-on environmental responsibility,” he added. “It’s not just about planting a tree; it’s about understanding the importance of caring for the environment.”

Environmental groups have welcomed Muganzi’s appeal, noting that such campaigns help instil ecological awareness in children from an early age while contributing to national conservation efforts.

NRDI plans to distribute seedlings and conduct community training sessions throughout the holiday period to ensure the initiative reaches as many families as possible.