Oulanyah Launches Tree Planting Drive

Oulanyah Launches Tree Planting Drive

By Acaye Herny

“Everyone loves shade, especially tree shades. But do you ever wonder who planted the shade?
Well you could be that person.” Said Deputy Speaker, Jacob Oulanyah while launching the Omoro Tree Planting Drive earlier today

Oulanyah who is also the area Member of Parliament for Omoro Constituency camped in Omoro over the weekend to spearhead the tree planting drive; a passionate initiative to contribute towards climate change mitigation.

He encouraged the communities to work together to conserve Omoro and cautioned Locals against indiscriminate tree cutting for charcoal sell.

“When I was growing up, I used to cross streams and rivers to go to school; Tamarind and Shea nut trees where every where. But now? Nothing,” he said in frustration.
“If indeed charcoal sell was the solution to our problems, then we would not have our children lacking basic needs.
We must recognize that it is not the solution, in fact it is only increasing our problems,” he noted.

He added that the prolonged dry spell that Omoro and the entire Acholi subregion suffered would get worse next year if nothing is done and called upon the locals to urgently embark on tree planting.

My plea is that for every 1 tree cut, plant at least 5.
Let’s act now while we still can,” Oulanyah requested

Oulanyah however expressed his disappointment at parents who did not participate in the tree planting drive and accused them of setting a bad example to the children.
“If you cannot come with your child to show them your responsibility in making right what you caused; them how can they learn?, He wondered.
He warned parents against such “laziness” and urged them to commit to be more participatory in their children’s school activities.

This year has been one of the hottest in Uganda with dry spells stretching upto the month of April, increasing the uncertainty of farming season among farmers and confirming looming fears on incoming famine.