Education sector aims to combat climate change through adopting new technologies

18 September 2025, 3:54 pm

Byamukama Alozious

Uganda’s education sector is facing a growing challenge mitigating its impact on the environment. With thousands of students in schools, the demand for tree cutting for paper manufacturing, firewood to cook meals is taking a toll on the country’s forests.

“We’re cooking three meals a day using firewood,” said Mr. Dan Odongo, Executive Director of the Uganda National Examination Board. “You can imagine the volume of trees being cut down. Many schools are now adopting energy-saving stoves to reduce wood consumption and pollution.” Through this innitiave education sector hopes to promote forest recovery to reduce on climate change affects

Uganda has experienced continued forest reduction in 2024, although the government is working to increase forest cover, which has risen from 9.5% in 2015 to 13.3% in 2024, with a goal of 15% by 2026. It is also noted that half of the national population 22.6 million are children who majority are in schools which puts pressure on environment

Experts agree that the education sector’s reliance on paper-based exams and materials also contributes to deforestation. “If we switch to online exams, we’ll reduce paperwork and protect the environment,” said Ayebazibwe Kellen, Inspector of Schools in Mbarara.

Some schools are taking steps to reduce their environmental footprint. “We’re training teachers to use online materials and promoting tree planting initiatives,” said Kellen. “It’s a mindset change we need to embrace technology and protect the environment.”

Mr.Odongo says it is time the education sector to put emphasis on AI technology where leaners can learn, seat exams on portal to help in forest recovery

Uganda’s education sector aims to grow, finding sustainable solutions by adopting energy-efficient practices and leveraging technology