Last Updated on: 2nd August 2023, 09:52 pm
Lira, June 26, 2023: Following continued crises caused by climate change locally and globally, Lango Cooperative Union (LCU) has come out to plant 50,000 trees as the only way of combating it.
Tree planting is one of the components of activities being undertaken by the Union as the world is due to celebrate International Cooperative Day slated for July 1, 2023. The national event will be held in Lira City, Mayor’s ground.
Tony Ogwal, the Vice Chairperson of LCU said they are in high preparations in conjunction with the national organizing committee to host the “noble event”.
During the launch of the tree planting at Lira City’s Golf course, Ogwal said it is aimed at fighting the alarming climate change which has ravaged the whole World.
According to Ogwal, all the institutions will receive not less than 500 tree seedlings, including avocado and other fruits and the one that produces timbers.
The chief planter at the launch, Sam Atul who is the Mayor of Lira City Council said, “Climate change is real and it needs a concerted effort by all stakeholders to embark on tree planting in Lango.”
Atul highlighted the benefits of planting trees both at institutions and homesteads “at this critical moment” when the whole world is experiencing a harsh climate.
He asked parents to implore their children to at least plant 10 trees every year because apart from fighting climate change, “it can generate income for them in a nearby future,” Atul said.
Pupils and students should start embracing tree planting mostly pines because after 10 years they can start harvesting big from it, according to the Mayor.
Other activities which will be undertaken before July 1, 2023, are a marathon, blood donation; medical camp and symposium, among others.
World Bank Report for Uganda
In a recent report, the World Bank Group says over the past two decades, an average of 200,000 Ugandans is affected each year by disasters. Increased intensity of heavy rainfall has led to a greater impact of floods and is causing more damage due to expanded infrastructure, human settlement and general development of the country.
“Uganda’s vulnerability is exacerbated due to its high level of poverty and its high dependence on ‘climate sensitive’ sectors: agriculture, water, fisheries, tourism, and forestry.
“The country is at high risk to natural disasters such as flooding, drought, and landslides, however, its topographic diversity and highly marginalized segments of the population make it additionally vulnerable,” said the same report.