By lucky patrick
Fort Portal – Edgar Muganzi, the Executive Director of Natural Resources Defense Initiatives (NRDI), has called upon Ugandans to make the most of the current rainy season by planting more trees as a sustainable measure to combat climate change and protect wetlands.
Speaking to our reporter this morning from his office, Muganzi emphasized that trees play a crucial role in safeguarding both human well-being and the health of the ecosystem. He explained that forests act as carbon sinks, reducing greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, while at the same time protecting water sources and providing habitats for wildlife.
“This rainy season gives us a golden opportunity to restore our degraded environment by planting indigenous trees. Every seedling we put into the soil today is an investment in a healthier, safer, and greener future for generations to come,” Muganzi said.
He further stressed that tree planting is not only about increasing forest cover but also about enhancing community resilience against climate-induced challenges such as prolonged droughts, flooding, and loss of biodiversity. According to him, wetlands, which are under increasing threat from human encroachment, benefit directly from tree planting as they rely on healthy catchments for their survival.
Muganzi also appealed to local leaders, schools, faith-based organizations, and private investors to mobilize communities for tree-planting drives, noting that collective action is key in restoring Uganda’s environment. He pointed out that tree planting should go hand in hand with nurturing and protecting seedlings to ensure long-term survival.
“Planting a tree is a noble act, but caring for it until it matures is what creates real impact,” he added.
NRDI has in recent years been actively involved in environmental conservation campaigns, particularly in western Uganda, focusing on wetland protection, reforestation, and community sensitization about climate change. Muganzi reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to working with stakeholders to achieve a greener and more sustainable environment.