By Mulengera Reporters
In a bid to promote environmental conservation and sustainable development, Equity Bank on Monday, 6th October 2025, launched a 1,000-tree planting campaign at St. Julian Secondary School in Mbale.
The initiative is part of its (Equity Bank’s) Environmental, Social and Governance strategy, which integrates sustainability into its core operations.
The campaign saw the participation of school staff, students, and Equity Bank officials, led by Managing Director Gift Shoko.
Speaking at the event, Shoko emphasized the importance of involving everyone in environmental protection. He noted that the bank is providing the trees and support for their growth, while the school contributes the land for planting.
To encourage student engagement, the school has adopted a unique approach, where each student who plants a tree will name it after themselves and take responsibility for its care. Upon progressing to the next education level, the student will pass the tree to the next student, ensuring a continuous cycle of environmental stewardship.
The initiative builds on efforts by the school’s Environmental Club, formed five months ago by students eager to take practical steps in addressing climate change. The club was granted a dedicated piece of land to cultivate plants and study tree species, providing hands-on learning opportunities. Lule Adam Ronald, Vice President of the Environmental Club, highlighted that the project would strengthen their knowledge of agriculture and environmental conservation.
Equity Bank partnered with Agriculture for Health and Wealth Company Limited to supply the trees. Initially, the focus is on fruit-bearing and shade-providing species, chosen for their dual benefits and higher chances of preservation. Indigenous trees will follow, offering long-term soil stabilization and environmental value, according to Joseph Kafuuma of the company. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
