KAMPALA – Uganda National Road Authority (UNRA) has on May 6 launched a national wide tree planting project that will see major roads lined with trees across the country in a bid to conserve the environment.
The drive under theme “Green Right of Way Program” (GROW) is set to take two years and will include indigenous and fruits trees
The campaign is being carried out jointly with other government agencies including the National Forestry Authority (NFA), the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), the National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC) and utility company UMEME.
Allen Kagina, the Executive Director UNRA speaking at the launch in Kajjansi along the Kampala Entebbe Expressway said a total of 2,000 trees will be planted along Entebbe Expressway alone as one of the ways aimed at reducing the threat caused by the change of climate.
“This is a very important initiative and that is why we are planting trees and all our roads will be tree-lined because these trees will help to absorb carbon,” she said.
She stated that planting trees is in line with fulfilling the strong conditions of preserving and conserving the environment.
The UNRA boss urged community members to get involved, which she says is very important for the successful progress and sustainability project.
“This matter is very important in our life, the next generation should not suffer like the way we are suffering today,” she noted.
“The authority will work together with the corporate world, the youth and women groups across the country for the maintenance of these trees,” she said.
She further appealed to the public to keep the animals away from the trees that will be planted along all roads.
Dr. Michael Moses Odongo, the executive director of Uganda Road Fund stated that the budget that was allocated to the fund was reduced and this may suffocate the implementation of the ongoing project.
Ms. Kagina also cautioned the road contractors to ensure that they spearhead environment protection, while on the other hand, she implored those with structures in road reserves to vacate before demolitions commence.
“Those in the areas where the trees have been planted should own them because it is one way of protecting them,” she added.
Eng. Isaac Wami, a director with UNRA, said the type of trees was preferred because of their absorption capacity of greenhouse emissions and control of soil erosion.