By Lucky Patrick
The newly crowned Miss Tourism Tooro 2026, Kabahuma Macklyne, has officially launched her environmental conservation campaign with a tree-planting exercise at Harugongo Primary School in Harugongo Sub-county, where she was born.
The campaign, which seeks to promote environmental conservation and climate action through tree planting, was supported by the Mayooba Foundation, which donated the tree seedlings planted during the launch.
Speaking at the event, Ms Kabahuma, who was crowned Ms Tourism Tooro 2026 on 3 July 2026, said environmental conservation is vital to preserving Tooro’s natural beauty, which remains one of the region’s greatest tourism assets. She encouraged learners, schools, and communities to embrace tree planting as a practical way of combating climate change while protecting the environment for future generations.
A unique feature of the campaign was the naming of the planted trees to foster ownership and ensure their long-term care. Ms Kabahuma planted a tree bearing her own name, symbolizing her commitment to nurturing the campaign throughout her reign.
The Deputy Speaker kabarole Mrs Nyakaisiki Margaret also planted a tree and named it Harugongo, while another tree was named Kabarole. The Head Teacher of Harugongo Primary School, Kakwezi, planted and named another tree after herself. Organizers said naming the trees is a deliberate strategy aimed at creating a personal attachment that will encourage continuous care and improve the survival rate of the seedlings.
Representing Rutete Sub-county, Murungi Musobozi Noble urged pupils to appreciate the importance of tree planting in protecting the environment. He encouraged every learner to plant at least one tree and take full responsibility for nurturing it until it matures.
School administrators welcomed the initiative, noting that beyond improving the school environment, it will instill a culture of environmental stewardship among learners and inspire them to become champions of conservation in their communities.
The campaign is expected to continue across schools and communities in the Tooro region, with Ms Kabahuma using her tenure to promote environmental protection, climate resilience, and sustainable tourism through increased tree planting.