-The Bishop of Sebei Diocese Paul Masaba Kiptoo, has urged Churches and Christians in Sebei sub region to champion tree planting so as to curb the challenges of Climate Change.
Kiptoo, while presiding over Prayers at St. Peters Cathedral in Kapchorwa on Sunday May 7th, noted that, if greening of the Sebei isn’t now, then fact is that global warming will be inevitable and natural disasters will continue to be a serious threat.
“How many Christians are in Sebei, there are more than thousands and if each of them plants five trees, we will be able to achieve and revive the vegetation which has been cut down,” said the bishop.
Bishop Kiptoo says Sebei Dioceses will lobby for 20,000 trees to be planted by the Christians along the entire Sebei sub region.
Kiptoo also tasked the Church leaders to champion the tree planting campaign in the Sebei Sub region.
“While teaching the Word, also use that opportunity to educate people on the importance of tree planting and the dangers of Deforestation,” he said.
He also encouraged the Christians to plant directly beneficial crops which also revive the environment like fruits and coffee.
The call comes at a time is Sebei sub region is experiencing heavy rains with fears that it is may causes landslides in the region.
Rev. David Siwa, the chaplain of All Saints Church of Uganda-Kapchorwa says, they will kick start the campaign with immediate effect following the Bishop’s advice.
Moses Makwata, District Environment Officer, Kween District, told Uganda Radio Network, that they have commenced planting of trees in Schools, Churches and Health Facilities, this he said will extend the tree planting campaign to institutions with big gatherings.
He has however asked the stake holders to protect the planted tree seedlings from thieves.
Sophy Chelangat, Woman Councilor Benet Sub County in Kween District, says through women groups in her sub county, they are yet to launch the greening project by planting the indigenous trees which is a habitat of Wildlife, Local Herbs and Firewood.
“Benet is a mountainous area and there is need for tree planting trees to prevent mudslides,” says Chelangat.