By Kabugho Elias
KAMPALA — The Green Daddy Foundation has unveiled Tree Plus, a new environmental programme designed to encourage nursery and primary school children to plant or adopt trees as part of efforts to combat climate change and improve Kampala’s urban environment.
The initiative calls on every participant to take personal responsibility for at least one tree, with organisers saying long-term care of the trees is just as important as planting them. The foundation believes the approach will help nurture a generation that values environmental conservation from an early age.
Green Daddy, born Kikabi Vincent Kibalama, said environmental protection should begin with simple actions taken by individuals and families.
“A tree should not just be planted and forgotten. Every child, parent and community member should have a tree they proudly call their own and take care of. Small actions by many people can transform our environment,” he said.
The programme is inspired by conservation activities at Mother Sollace Day Care and Nursery School in Nateete, where children are introduced to environmental stewardship through practical learning. The foundation says Tree Plus will expand that model into surrounding communities by encouraging pupils, parents and teachers to actively participate in tree planting and environmental education.
Under the programme, participating schools will organise tree-planting days, environmental awareness sessions and community clean-up activities. Pupils will also learn about the importance of protecting wetlands, reducing plastic waste and maintaining clean surroundings to help prevent urban flooding.
The foundation says each planted tree will represent a personal commitment to protecting the environment, with participants encouraged to monitor its growth and ensure it survives.
As Kampala continues to face challenges linked to rapid urbanisation, deforestation and poor waste management, the Green Daddy Foundation believes Tree Plus can contribute to greener neighbourhoods while instilling lifelong environmental values in young children.
The organisation has invited schools, local leaders, government agencies, businesses and development partners to support the programme as it seeks to expand Tree Plus to communities across Uganda.
