Kampala, Uganda: Ugandan climate advocate and environmental activist Faith Ariokot has set a new world record after completing an extraordinary 100-hour continuous walk around a tree, using the endurance challenge to amplify calls for climate action, environmental conservation, and tree protection.
Ariokot, who leads the Faith in Trees initiative, completed the challenge on Tuesday after walking around a single tree for more than four consecutive days, surpassing previous tree-related endurance records and further cementing her growing reputation as one of East Africa’s most innovative environmental campaigners.
The challenge, which began on Saturday, June 6, attracted environmentalists, youth activists, conservation groups, and supporters who gathered to witness the remarkable feat and rally behind her message on climate change.
Organizers said the 100-hour walk was designed to draw attention to the urgent need for tree planting, forest conservation, biodiversity protection, and stronger climate action at both community and policy levels.
“Trees are life. They clean our air, protect our water sources, preserve biodiversity, and help combat climate change. This challenge is a reminder that protecting nature is not optional; it is necessary for our survival,” Ariokot said after completing the record-breaking walk.
The achievement adds another chapter to Ariokot’s environmental advocacy journey.
In 2024, she gained international recognition after setting the world record for the longest marathon hugging a tree, lasting 16 hours and six seconds. Her feat inspired environmental campaigners across Africa and helped bring global attention to climate awareness initiatives driven by young people.
Her record was later surpassed by Ghana’s Abdul Hakim Awal, who extended the tree-hugging challenge to 24 hours, 21 minutes and four seconds. The title subsequently changed hands several times before Kenyan environmental activist Truphena Muthoni set a new Guinness World Record of 72 hours in January 2026.
With her latest 100-hour tree walk, Ariokot has now pushed the boundaries even further, establishing a new benchmark for endurance-based environmental activism.
The climate advocate described the walk as a symbol of humanity’s enduring relationship with nature. “The tree remains standing through storms, droughts and changing seasons. Walking around it continuously for 100 hours symbolizes our responsibility to remain committed to protecting the environment no matter the challenges we face,” she explained.
Climate experts have increasingly warned that Africa is among the regions most vulnerable to climate change despite contributing only a small fraction of global greenhouse gas emissions.
Uganda has in recent years experienced prolonged droughts, destructive floods, landslides, and changing rainfall patterns that scientists largely attribute to climate variability and environmental degradation.
According to conservation organizations, Uganda continues to face significant pressure on its forests due to population growth, charcoal burning, agricultural expansion, and illegal logging.
Environmental advocates argue that large-scale tree planting and forest restoration remain among the most effective and affordable nature-based solutions for mitigating climate change impacts.
Faith said the achievement is not about personal glory but about inspiring action. “This is bigger than a record. If one person can dedicate 100 hours to a tree, then communities, governments and institutions can dedicate resources and policies to protect our forests and environment,” she said.
As celebrations continued after the completion of the challenge, Ariokot reiterated her call for collective action, emphasizing that the future of the planet depends on decisions made today.
“The climate crisis affects all of us. Every tree planted, every forest protected, and every action taken today helps secure a better tomorrow,” she said.
Her 100-hour tree walk now stands as both a remarkable endurance achievement and a powerful message on the importance of safeguarding the environment for future generations.
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