Save the trees in our cities - An article by Aliguma Ahabyona Akiiki – published in the New Vision – Uganda National New Vision Paper Whereas many cities in the world are undertaking large tree planting programmes to meaningfully increase their urban tree canopies, some cities and institutions in Uganda are instead cutting down trees that were planted many years ago. The Uganda Forestry Policy (2001) sets guiding principles to ‘Promote the establishment and maintenance of green belts in urban areas as part of urban land-use planning, with urban authorities’ – see policy statement 9 on Urban Forestry. Such policies should be adhered to so that our country’s cities are distinguishable from each other and our heritage protected for posterity.

1. An article by
Aliguma
Ahabyona
Akiiki –
published in
the New
Vision –
Uganda
National New
Vision Paper

2. Save the trees in our cities!
- An article published in the New Vision, Uganda’s National News Paper
Whereas many cities in the world are undertaking large tree planting programmes to meaningfully
increase their urban tree canopies, some cities and institutions in Uganda are instead cutting down trees
that were planted many years ago.
In Kijungu cell in Hoima City, a former serene and a very forested area is being been deforested to
construct roads and no trees are being planted – the whole area is now bare, what a shame for our
planners! Better options including one way roads in this area and planting more trees could be explored so
that our nation’s asset is saved.
At Makerere University, along Sir Apollo Kaggwa road, the beautiful very old trees are being cleared and
no one cares about this important heritage of the oldest University in East Africa.
Urban trees play a pivotal role in moderating urban microclimate, pollution absorption, storm water
mitigation, and habitat provision. In addition, studies have indicated that proximity to urban vegetation
may increase property values, facilitate recuperation after stress and illness and reduce mental fatigue.
There is a substantial literature indicating that trees provide benefits for municipalities and their residents,
and this perception, in part, has motivated local, regional and global initiatives that promote the planting
of urban trees.
The Uganda Forestry Policy (2001) sets guiding principles to ‘Promote the establishment and
maintenance of green belts in urban areas as part of urban land-use planning, with urban authorities’ – see
policy statement 9 on Urban Forestry. Such policies should be adhered to so that our country’s cities are
distinguishable from each other and our heritage protected for posterity.
Aliguma Ahabyona Akiiki
The writer is a Programme/Communication Coordinator at the Cross-Cultural Foundation of
Uganda (CCFU)
Trees being cut
along Sir Apollo
Kaggwa Road at
Makerere
University
Trees being
destroyed for
road
construction in
Kijungu,
Hoima City