Our grandchildren will curse us for cutting trees, says Gen Katumba Wamala

State Minister for Works, Gen Katumba Wamala has tasked residents of Kasese District to plant trees, in a bid to restore the disappearing forest cover.

“Our environment is gone and if we do not do something in the next five years, our grandchildren will curse us,” he said adding that the rate at which trees are cut down in alarming.

Additionally, Wamala said for every road that is constructed across the country, government will now have a duty to plant trees a long those roads.

He was speaking at the Installation ceremony for the President of Rotary Club of Kasese at Uhuru 50 gardens in Kasese District.

“Let us get involved in replenishing our environment. Tree planting is not a Rotary affair, but rather everyone’s responsibility.”

To that effect, Wamala handed cash contribution of Shs1 million to the club to kick-start their tree planting campaign.

According to www.weatherspark.com, the climate in Kasese is warm and overcast. Over the course of the year, the temperature typically varies from 66°F to 88°F and is rarely below 63°F or above 93°F.

Mr Augustine Muserero, the new president for the club said the club would plant 20,000 trees in the municipality this Rotary year.

“Kasese district is one of the hottest places in this country, and we have to create a comfortable environment for the residents, visitors and tourists. By planting trees, we shall be contributing to the change,” Muserero said.

Muserero is the 28th president of the club, taking over from Maj. Wilfred Rwanjeru.

A joint Water and Environment Sector Review report released last year revealed that Uganda’s forest cover has dropped to 9 per cent, a sharp fall from 11 per cent in 2015.

The same report indicated that the country’s wetland cover has reduced to less than 10 per cent.

The disappearing wetlands, forests, lakes and rivers are some of the natural features that influence temperatures, rainfall formation and regulation of floods.