Bunyoro premier urges nationwide collaboration for environmental conservation
21 March 2024, 12:19 pm
By James Muhumuza
Earth Hour, initiated by WWF in Australia in 2017, serves as a global platform to raise awareness about environmental conservation and encourage individuals to dedicate an hour to activities promoting nature preservation.
The Prime Minister for Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom, Andrew Byakutaaga, has issued a heartfelt appeal to all Ugandans to unite in efforts for environmental conservation, aiming to mitigate the impacts of climate change.
Byakutaaga’s call comes as the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) marks this year’s Earth Hour, emphasizing the importance of conservation initiatives such as the implementation of woodlot programs in schools.
The commemoration event took place yesterday 20th 03 2024 at Muhorro BCS Model Primary School in Muhorro Town Council,Kagadi district commencing with a tree-planting activity led by the Prime Minister himself, intended to serve as a sustainable wood source for the school.
Chief Operations Officer of WWF Uganda, Agnete Schoenau Winther, stressed the necessity for schools across Uganda to establish woodlots, citing their role in curbing deforestation driven by the demand for firewood.
Former Bishop of Bunyoro Kitara Diocese, Nathan Kyamanywa, emphasized humanity’s responsibility, citing the divine command to protect the environment as our foremost duty.
Deputy Resident Commissioner for Kagadi District, Benjamin Tumussime, underscored the urgency of addressing environmental encroachment, pledging decisive action to protect wetlands and forests to prevent tragedies similar to those witnessed in South Sudan.
Grace Kyomukama, the Head Teacher of Muhorro BCS Model Primary School, along with other school leaders present, vowed to advocate for the establishment of woodlots in other schools, amplifying the conservation message.