Journalists Launch Environmental Protection Campaign in Oil Rich Bunyoro

By Fred Kiva

BULIISA- Journalists in Bunyoro sub-region under the umbrella of Hoima Media Association (HMA), have embarked on a campaign to plant trees in their quest to salvage the oil rich region from environmental disasters as a result of oil activities.

The journalists have so far planted 700 tree seedlings in Buliisa district, in the sub-counties of Biiso and Kihungya. The tree planting drive is part of the activities to belatedly mark the World Press Freedom Day on May 31, locally in Hoima.

World Press Freedom Day Internationally marked on May 3, was declared by UN General Assembly to raise awareness of the importance of freedom of the press and remind governments of their duty to respect and uphold the right to freedom of expression enshrined under Article 19 of the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

John Kibego, the UN Radio Swahili Unit correspondent in Uganda and an executive member of Hoima Media Association notes that as journalists continue to push for their freedom, there is also need for them to make a contribution to society, in addition to the usual news writing and reporting role. “We chose to plant trees, given the urgent need for environmental protection in this region. The oil activities and other related projects continue to emit fumes to the atmosphere that need absorption by the plant cover,” Kibego said.

He added that the exercise started with Buliisa where oil exploration activities are at peak and the fact that the district is always prone to prolonged drought. “The exercise will continue to cover the districts of Hoima and Kikuube, where oil activities are taking place also,” Kibego revealed. The campaign is being supported by oil company, Total Exploration and Production Uganda and some local individuals.The journalists have planted gravellier and terminalia tree varieties at the various institutions including; sub county headquarters, Health Centers and schools among others.

Buliisa District Deputy Chief Administrative Officer Roney Agonfwa who officiated at the launch of the tree planting exercise, commended journalists for being practical in the afforestation campaign, amid the rampant degradation of the forested areas in the dry Lower Buliisa and the humid Upper Buliisa. Agondwa said the activity fits well in the national development plan. He pledged the district support in following up on the planted trees to ensure they grow well.

Bernard Tugume the Buliisa district Natural Resources Officer says afforestation helps Buliisa to counter the negative environmental impact of the oil and gas industry. The increasing population in the Albertine region as a result of oil has led to immense degradation of wetlands and forests, and environmentalists are calling for protracted efforts in environmental conservation or else the region faces environmental catastrophes.

The environmentalists argue that the region needs the plant cover now than ever before, to help in absorbing fumes produced by oil related industries. Some of the oil related projects in the Albertine grabben include Hoima International Airport, now under construction in Kabaale, Hoima District, the impending Oil Refinery also in Kabaale and the East African Crude Oil Export Pipeline.