By Teso Vibez Reporter

State Minister for Environment Hon. Beatrice Anywar Atim is expected in Teso next Month April 2022 to launch the tree planting exercise, an initiative of Teso Journalists under their umbrella organization Teso Karamoja Media Agency - TEKAMA and other partner organizations.

 
TEKAMA joined hands to organize an Environmental run aimed at helping raise awareness on the devastating effects of climate change and to improve the tree cover in the region.

 
The first edition of the run took place on 19th March 2022 at Soroti city graced by Hon Hellen Adoa State Minister for Fisheries also woman MP Serere District together with Prof Patrick Ogwang Engeu Executive Director Jena Herbals and hundreds of well-wishers.

While speaking to this Website, James Oluka, the programs coordinator TEKAMA said that so far 32,000 tree seedlings have been raised ready to be distributed to farmers and schools.

The trees include Eusuk, Clone Eucalyptus, Cashew nuts, Tamarind, Shea-nut butter tree, gravellier, and mangoes.

“This April, we expect the State Minister for Environment to come and launch that important occasion where we shall start planting the first batch of trees,” he said.

With efforts geared towards contributing to the reversal of the negative effects of climate change and ensuring climate stability in the sub-region, the organization together with partners and well-wishers plan to plant 25 million trees in the region in the next five years.

During the Dinner at Soflyv Hotel after the run, Professor Patrick Ogwang  Egeu of Jena Herbals encouraged Ugandans to embark on what he calls “green Economy” saying it’s currently a lucrative venture.

Oluka said that the trees shall be given to farmers and schools according to their interest in species.

“We are in the process of registering them freely and those interested shall sign an MOU with us to assure us that the trees will be safe and we are also going to do strict monitoring to make sure that the trees survive,” he said.

In the month of April this year, the organization also plans to establish environment clubs in Schools, this will encourage learners to grow with the habit of conserving nature while also doing community sensitization on the importance of biodiversity conservation.

Oluka added that in October this year the organization will have a dialogue with all stakeholders as they launch the Teso climate change master plan.

 
The run will be one of the continuous activities the Organization will undertake during the five year period in order to help in raising funds towards among other things establishing woodlots in most schools around Teso, developing alternative energy sources, developing a climate master plan for Teso and establishing environment clubs in schools.

Julius Esegu, the Executive Director for TEKAMA appealed to the public and partners across Teso and Uganda to join hands with them in ensuring that Teso is restored green.

Those interested in Trees can reach out to TBS radio and Etop and register or can call on 0787578570 or 0782611198

PHOTO: TEKAMA officials launching Teso Environmental Run recently