Equity Bank, in partnership with My Tree Initiative Uganda, has officially launched the Equi Green Schools Programme at Nakanyonyi Secondary School in Mukono District on 25th September, 2026.
The ambitious, multi-year environmental initiative aims to plant, protect, and nurture 200,000 trees across Uganda by December 2027. The official launch event drew high-ranking government officials, environmental advocates, and institutional leaders, and featured the joint planting of 3,500 trees at the host school.
The project will roll out in two phases to maximize its impact on schools. Phase 1, running through the end of 2026, focuses on planting and protecting 50,000 trees across 25 schools in 10 districts in Uganda.
In 2027, the programme will expand to plant an additional 150,000 trees through school orchards, creating lasting environmental benefits and supporting the bank’s sustainability goals.
This partnership builds on earlier collaborative milestones between the two organizations, which previously saw the successful planting of 1,500 trees at Kyasanku Hill College in Mpigi District.
Hon. Rtd. General Katumba Wamala, the Chief Planter and Minister for Public Service, commended Equity Bank Uganda and My Tree Initiative for their proactive approach to protecting the environment and fighting climate change.
“This programme is about restoring our environment. The environment has a way of revenging because we have severely disturbed it; what you see in this extreme sunshine is nature fighting back,” said Katumba. This is a wonderful partnership between Equity bank and all stakeholders, and as the patron of My Tree Initiative, I call upon the private sector to emulate Equity Bank for what they have done for the environment.”
Speaking at the launch event, Gift Shoko, Managing Director of Equity Bank Uganda, emphasized the profound role that young people play in shaping a sustainable future.
“This is more than a tree-planting initiative. It is a commitment to the future of our environment, our communities and, most importantly, the young people who will inherit the Uganda we build today,” said Shoko. By involving students directly in tree planting and environmental conservation, we turn climate action from an abstract conversation into something young people can see, touch and take ownership of.”
“Economic transformation and environmental sustainability must go hand in hand,” Shoko adds. Our responsibility is not simply to plant trees, but to plant, protect, and nurture them to thrive for generations to come.”
Enjer Ashiraf, Executive Director of My Tree Initiative, highlighted the value of collaborative efforts in driving environmental action.
“If you want to go far, you go with others. We are thankful to Equity bank for their generous partnership in spearheading this annual Green Schools Program,” said Enjer. The Bank has already supported us in planting 1,500 trees at Kyasanku Hill College in Mpigi District, and the bank is once again engaging students in hands-on tree planting activities, empowering future generations to be champions of our planet.”
Mr. George Wateta, Head Teacher of Nakanyonyi Secondary School, graciously welcomed the initiative and expressed his profound appreciation to the partners for selecting their institution to host the launch.
“This partnership is a milestone for our school,” said Wateta. We believe education goes beyond the classroom, and by engaging our students in environmental restoration, we are nurturing responsible citizens who appreciate the value of protecting nature. These 50,000 trees planted across all schools will stand as a lasting legacy for generations of learners.”
This initiative is part of Equity bank’s broader goal to protect the environment. It directly supports Equity Group’s regional target to plant 35 million trees across East Africa under its Africa Recovery and Resilience Plan (AARP).
Uganda’s forest cover has declined sharply over the past few decades, falling from 24% to below 9% due to deforestation, agricultural expansion, and unsustainable practices.
By targeting schools, the Equity Green Schools Programme aims to address this biodiversity crisis at its root, transforming educational spaces into active hubs for climate education, ecosystem restoration, and environmental stewardship.
Equity Bank Uganda continues to champion environmental and economic transformation through comprehensive green financing and community action.
Over the past five years, the Bank has supported the planting of over 60,000 trees, provided more than UGX 34 billion in climate financing, and empowered over 800 green enterprises to scale their businesses, access markets, and drive sustainable community development.
