Phase I Launch: School & Faith-Based Climate Resilience Tree Initiative

Introduction

EmpowerNet Uganda is proud to announce the launch of Phase I of our Climate Change Adaptation and Environmental Conservation Program across Bukonzo East Constituency.

Our Executive Director has reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to environmental sustainability by pledging the continued distribution of free climate-resilient fruit tree seedlings to primary schools, secondary schools, and churches.

This initiative responds to the growing impacts of climate change in the Rwenzori region, including erratic rainfall, prolonged dry spells, declining soil fertility, and increasing food insecurity.

Why This Initiative Matters

Nature-based climate solutions such as tree planting help communities to:

 

• • Restore degraded land and improve soil fertility

• • Capture and store atmospheric carbon (carbon sequestration)

• • Improve food and nutrition security

• • Strengthen resilience to droughts and extreme weather

• • Promote biodiversity and ecosystem restoration

Schools and churches play a key role as community transformation centres, making them ideal partners for long-term environmental stewardship.

Phase I Program Components

1. Community Climate Sensitization & Behaviour Change

EmpowerNet Uganda will conduct structured climate awareness sessions through:

 

• • Community meetings and village dialogues

• • School climate education sessions

• • Church-based environmental stewardship campaigns

Key focus areas:

 

• • Climate-resilient and drought-tolerant tree species

• • Agroforestry and sustainable land management

• • Community ownership of conservation efforts

 

• • Fruit Tree Distribution & Climate-Smart Planting Training

2. Fruit tree seedlings will be distributed and planted in:

 

• • Primary schools

• • Secondary schools

• • Churches and faith institutions

Beneficiaries will receive hands-on training in:

 

• • Climate-smart tree planting techniques

• • Mulching and water conservation

• • Integrated pest and disease management

• Long-term tree care and survival monitoring
• Schools will become demonstration centres for climate-smart agriculture.

3. School Nursery Establishment & Youth Climate Education

To ensure long-term sustainability, the project will train students in:

 

• • Tree nursery bed establishment

• • Seed selection and propagation

• • Nursery management and transplanting
  • Environmental stewardship and climate literacy

 Expected Impact of Phase I

 

• • Increased tree cover and carbon storage

• • Improved nutrition and school fruit supply

• • Strong climate awareness among youth and communities

• • Sustainable school-based nurseries established

Call to Action

Schools, churches, and community leaders are invited to partner with EmpowerNet Uganda in building a greener and more resilient future.