The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Force (UPDF) Air Force has planted over 12,000 trees at Kwewanga Forest Reserve in Nkumba as part of this year’s Tarehe Sita celebrations.
The tree-planting initiative, aimed at promoting environmental conservation, was officiated by the Senior Presidential Advisor on the Environment, Dr. Gilbert Bukenya.
He commended the UPDF for supporting national development efforts and urged collective action against deforestation and wetland destruction.
“Like many other wars fought and won, by working together and putting our nation’s interests before self, we shall also win the war against deforestation and preserve our wetlands,” Dr. Bukenya said.
He encouraged the UPDF to use its platforms to raise awareness about tree planting, warning that the destruction of forests has led to the disappearance of indigenous tree species.
Brig. Gen. Richard Rubongoya, the Director of Human Resource Management – Air Force, reaffirmed the UPDF’s commitment to environmental conservation. “We remain dedicated to securing a healthy environment and will continue with this tradition,” he said.
Tarehe Sita, which marks the founding of the UPDF, is commemorated through community service activities such as environmental clean-ups, free medical care, and the renovation of schools and hospitals.