Chief Justice Alphonse Owiny-Dollo Calls For Joint Forces Against Environmental Misuse

Chief Justice Alphonse Owiny-Dollo has urged the government and development partners to address the significant loss of forest cover due to the charcoal industry in the Acholi sub-region. He made comments last Friday at Sir Samuel Baker School during the National Tree Planting Day, an event organized by the Ministry of Water and Environment along with various partners.

The Chief Justice highlighted that the extensive deforestation in Northern Uganda has resulted in decreased food production and severe climate change impacts in the area. 

He also mentioned the "Roco Paco" Initiative, which aims to encourage coffee cultivation in Northern Uganda, emphasizing that cash crops like coffee and other perennial plants can generate significantly higher income.

In her speech Hon. Adong Caroline Rose, Gulu City Mayor commended the Ministry of Water and Environment for its initiative, stressing the necessity of a collective effort to combat the widespread tree destruction occurring in Northern Uganda and throughout the country.

Issa Katwesigye, the Assistant Commissioner for Forestry at the Ministry of Water and Environment, stated that the Forestry Sector Support Services Department is executing a nationwide tree planting campaign called "Running Out of Trees (ROOTs)," which aims to plant 40 million trees annually—one for every Ugandan.

 He further noted that this initiative promotes an inclusive and collaborative approach to reforestation, restoration, and forest conservation through sustainable partnerships and active community involvement.

Meanwhile, Walter Okidi Ladwaar, President of the Rotary Club of Gulu City, announced that they will nurture the trees for three years to ensure their healthy growth. He indicated that they will collaborate with professional partners such as JC Forestry and Kijani Forestry to ensure the proper care of the planted trees. Additionally, he urged the community to cease the extensive deforestation for charcoal production and to consider alternative energy sources like solar .

The event was celebrated under theme: " Community driven Landscape Restoration Through tree growing for improved livelihoods and Healthy functioning Ecosystem "