Bishop calls for tree planting in Acholi

20 February 2025, 11:32 am

By Otim Moses

Leaders at various levels in the Acholi subregion have been urged to advocate for tree planting to protect the environment.

The call was made by the Bishop of Kinkizi Diocese in Kanungu District, Rev. Bishop Dan Zoreka, on Saturday, February 15, 2025, while representing the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, the Most Rev. Dr. Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu, at the opening of St. Luke Church in Acegotyena Village, Pachua Parish, Mucwini West subcounty, Kitgum district.

Bishop Zoreka expressed concern over the alarming rate of deforestation in the region, which has led to wells drying up and animals dying due to water shortages.

He issued a strong call to church and local leaders in Acholi to advocate for massive tree-planting efforts to save the environment and protect humanity.

He also urged leaders and teachers to use every platform available to educate people about the dangers of environmental degradation.

The Chief Justice of Uganda, Alfonse Owiny-Dollo Chigamoi, pledged to work closely with the masses to protect the environment through tree planting and other conservation initiatives.

He appealed to the people of the Acholi subregion to unite in environmental conservation and pledged to plant as many trees as possible. He also emphasised that trees are a valuable source of household income, encouraging locals to engage in tree farming to improve their livelihoods.