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Mukono, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Equity Bank Uganda has launched a two-year Green Schools Programme aimed at protecting nurture by planting 200,000 trees across Uganda by December 2027.
The programme “aimed at determining the future of Uganda’s environment” will see 50,000 trees planted in 25 schools across 10 districts, beginning with Nakanyonyi Secondary School in Kalagi, Mukono District.
Equity Bank Managing Director Gift Shoko says Equity Bank will go further to plant an additional 150,000 trees through dedicated school orchards designed to deliver lasting environmental benefits while creating measurable impact under Equity’s Environmental, Social and Governance agenda
“This programme contributes to Equity’s wider ambition of planting 35 million trees across East Africa under our Energy, Environment and Climate Change pillar,” Gift Shoko said.
Presiding over the launch ceremony, the Minister of Public Service and Patron of my tree initiative, Gen Edward Katumba Wamala urged environment watchdogs to continue with strong actions against individuals who degrade the environment.
“This programme is about restoring our environment. The environment has a way of revenging because we have severely disturbed it; what you see in this extreme sunshine is nature fighting back,” said Katumba. This is a wonderful partnership between Equity bank and all stakeholders, and as the patron of My Tree Initiative, I call upon the private sector to emulate Equity Bank for what they have done for the environment.”
Eng Sowed Sewagudde, Acting Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Water, Lands and Environment, promised that the government through the routes programme will continue supporting restoration efforts across the country to complement efforts of Equity Bank’s and other private players.
The project will roll out in two phases to maximize its impact on schools. Phase 1, running through the end of 2026, focuses on planting and protecting 50,000 trees across 25 schools in 10 districts in Uganda.
In 2027, the programme will expand to plant an additional 150,000 trees through school orchards, creating lasting environmental benefits and supporting the bank’s sustainability goals.
This partnership builds on earlier collaborative milestones between the two organizations, which previously saw the successful planting of 1,500 trees at Kyasanku Hill College in Mpigi District.
Enjer Ashiraf, Executive Director of My Tree Initiative, highlighted the value of collaborative efforts in driving environmental action.
“If you want to go far, you go with others. We are thankful to Equity Bank for their generous partnership in spearheading this annual Green Schools Program,” said Enjer. The Bank has already supported us in planting 1,500 trees at Kyasanku Hill College in Mpigi District, and the bank is once again engaging students in hands-on tree planting activities, empowering future generations to be champions of our planet.”
George Wateta, Head Teacher of Nakanyonyi Secondary School, graciously welcomed the initiative and expressed his profound appreciation to the partners for selecting their institution to host the launch.
“This partnership is a milestone for our school,” said Wateta. We believe education goes beyond the classroom, and by engaging our students in environmental restoration, we are nurturing responsible citizens who appreciate the value of protecting nature. These 50,000 trees planted across all schools will stand as a lasting legacy for generations of learners.”
This initiative is part of Equity bank’s broader goal to protect the environment. It directly supports Equity Group’s regional target to plant 35 million trees across East Africa under its Africa Recovery and Resilience Plan (AARP).
Uganda’s forest cover has declined sharply over the past few decades, falling from 24% to below 9% due to deforestation, agricultural expansion, and unsustainable practices.
By targeting schools, the Equity Green Schools Programme aims to address this biodiversity crisis at its root, transforming educational spaces into active hubs for climate education, ecosystem restoration, and environmental stewardship.
Equity Bank Uganda continues to champion environmental and economic transformation through comprehensive green financing and community action.
Over the past five years, the Bank has supported the planting of over 60,000 trees, provided more than UGX 34 billion in climate financing, and empowered over 800 green enterprises to scale their businesses, access markets, and drive sustainable community development.
