Pader, World Vision mark 40 years with tree planting drive

25 August 2026, 7:48 pm

By Geoffrey Okwong

Pader Town Council has joined World Vision Uganda to commemorate the organisation’s 40 years of operation in Uganda through a tree-planting and market-cleaning exercise in Pader Town.

The activities, held at the Pader Town Council headquarters and Pader Town Market, on the 24th August 2026, formed part of World Vision’s efforts to promote environmental conservation and give back to the community as it marks four decades of service in Uganda.

A total of 25 tree seedlings were planted around the Pader Town Council administration compound, including five Asok tree seedlings and 20 evergreen tree seedlings.

Fearless Kilama Wodacholi, Urban Council III of Pader Town Council, commended World Vision for choosing environmental conservation as part of its 40th anniversary activities.

Kilama urged World Vision to continue working with the community beyond the anniversary celebrations, saying the partnership should create lasting benefits for Pader.

He also encouraged the organisation to maintain its presence in the community and return regularly rather than waiting for another major anniversary.

Walter Raleigh Okello, Councillor V for Pader Town Council, appreciated World Vision for maintaining its partnership with local leaders and communities in Pader over the years.

Okello said environmental protection is a cross-cutting issue that should be considered in all community activities.

He urged World Vision to continue involving local leaders in its programmes, saying stronger cooperation between development organisations and local authorities would help ensure that interventions benefit the people of Pader.

Geoffrey Kilama, Principal Health Inspector for Pader Town Council, also appreciated World Vision for supporting environmental conservation, saying environmental degradation remains a major concern that requires collective action.

Kilama urged residents to participate in the national mandatory cleaning day held every last Saturday of the month to keep Pader Town clean.

He called on residents to contribute their time, tools and other available resources to clean public spaces, saying environmental cleanliness is a shared responsibility.

Following the tree-planting activity, the World Vision team moved to Pader Town Market, where staff and other participants took part in cleaning the market.

The market clean-up formed part of the organisation’s 40th anniversary activities and was aimed at promoting hygiene, sanitation and environmental responsibility within the community.

David Ssenyimba, Programmes Manager for World Vision Uganda’s Acholi Sub-region, said the activities demonstrate the organisation’s commitment to environmental conservation and community resilience.

Ssenyimba said World Vision is using its 40th anniversary to give back to communities through corporate social responsibility, particularly by promoting tree planting and environmental protection.

Ssenyimba on the 40 years

He said protecting the environment is important in ensuring that communities can survive and adapt to environmental challenges.

Ssenyimba also commended Pader District and its leaders for being engaged and supportive of World Vision’s programmes over the years, saying the partnership has helped advance the organisation’s vision and mission in the region.