Kampala, Uganda: The Prime Minister of the Bamasaaba Cultural Institution, Rt. Hon. Dr. Paul Mwambu has pledged the institution’s commitment to partner with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in promoting tree planting across Masaabaland.
Dr. Mwambu made the assurance during a high-level stakeholder meeting convened by UNDP in Kampala, which brought together cultural leaders and officials from government agencies, including representatives from the Ministry of Lands and the National Forestry Authority (NFA).
The Bamasaaba premier said the institution has access to ample land, especially along cultural trails, that can be utilized for afforestation and environmental conservation. He emphasized that the program, which is youth-led, will be cascaded down to clan leadership structures to ensure wide participation.
“We shall mobilize our clan chairpersons and ensure the youth in Masaabaland are at the forefront of this afforestation campaign. This is their future, and it starts with trees,” said Dr. Mwambu.
Steven Masiga, the official spokesperson of the Bamasaaba Cultural Institution, attended the meeting alongside other key cultural leaders, including Hon. Walter, Deputy Prime Minister of the Acholi Cultural Institution, and Madam Teddy Nabakooza, Buganda Kingdom Lands Officer.
UNDP officials, including Dr. Tom Sengalama, an environmental expert, Madam Mercy Kayodi Melodi, the Youth and Innovations Officer, and Monica A. Kullo, reiterated the importance of engaging cultural institutions in sustainable development goals, especially afforestation, and placing young people at the heart of the movement.
“Culture has the power to influence mindsets and behavior. If young people take the lead in tree planting, they not only preserve the environment but also inherit leadership roles in sustainability,” noted Mercy Kayodi.
The UNDP team commended kingdoms such as Buganda for proactively allocating land for afforestation and expressed optimism that other cultural institutions like Bugisu will follow suit in empowering youth to drive climate action at the grassroots.
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