Equity Bank and the Kenya High Commission have launched the second phase of the Mwiri Hill tree-planting project, aiming to plant over 43,000 indigenous trees and a 10-acre orchard.
The project is part of Equity Bank’s broader effort to restore the hill’s original forest cover, which has been degraded due to encroachment by farmers and commercial activities.
The project is divided into three phases, with the first phase having already seen the planting of 40 acres of indigenous trees and 10 acres of orchard in March this year. Elizabeth Wahito, Equity Bank’s Acting Head of Social Investment Projects, emphasized the importance of restoring the hill’s original forest cover.
“Equity is keen to see that the original forest cover of Mwiri hill is restored by planting 110 acres of indigenous trees,” she said. “This is the second phase of this project; the project was divided into three phases… So, I am urging the community and teachers to please take care of the trees, let’s protect them together.”
Kenya High Commissioner to Uganda, Joash Maangi, highlighted the initiative’s contribution to addressing climate change and engaging young people in environmental conservation.
“When you hear about climate change, you realize it didn’t use to rain like this. Now, the rain comes haphazardly—you never know when it will start. So, we must begin protecting our environment,” he said.
Uganda’s forestry cover has been increasing after decreasing from 24% in 1990 to 8.9% in 2017.
The bank is working towards planting 35 million trees across six countries.
Equity Bank has allocated Shs85 million towards the project.
