Kakira Sugar, Red Cross partner to fight floods in Bugisu

Kakira Sugar Limited and Uganda Red Cross Society have joined efforts to help avert floods in the Bugisu sub-region.

Their efforts are aimed at conserving the environment through tree-planting activities. The two organizations aim to plant over 50,000 grevillea trees over a 5-year period. They will start with 10,000 trees this year.

The two partners first planted 15,000 trees in Busoga region (Iganga and Namutumba area) in 2022. They have now kicked off with the same initiative in Mbale district. They started on Tuesday, June 6 in Bungokho sub-county, Bushikori Parish, Nashikhaso village.

According to John Cliff Wamala, the Communication and PR Officer at Uganda Red Cross Society (URCS), these activities were part of the World Environment month celebrations. This year’s theme focuses on solutions to plastic pollution.

“When we talk of saving lives, it doesn’t end at extending relief or being the first responders during disasters, but also mitigating and controlling the diversity of these calamities,” Wamala said.

Regina Mutuwa, the chairperson of the Mbale Disaster Risk Management Committee, and the village leadership of Nashikhaso village expressed gratitude to Uganda Red Cross for their timely intervention whenever disasters strike.

Mutuwa commended their proactive approach to mitigating potential disasters.

James Mawa, the Horticulture Superintendent at Kakira Sugar factory, emphasized the company’s commitment to changing the flooding narrative of the Bugisu region.

“Why should lives be lost during disasters? At Kakira, we believe this can change and it is the reason why we have brought these seedlings. We have partnered with URCS to see that there is transformation,” Mawa said.

During the event, approximately 100 households at high risk of being affected by floods were provided with tree seedlings, with each family receiving five seedlings.

The Bugisu sub-region, particularly the Mt Elgon region, has experienced a significant loss of vegetation cover due to population growth and unsustainable human activities.

This ecological degradation has resulted in a surge of climate-related disasters such as heavy runoff, floods, and mudslides, with recent incidents occurring just two weeks ago.

In addition to the tree planting initiative, Kakira Sugar has also taken steps to protect the environment through sustainable management of its solid waste and the presence of green fields and trees in Jinja and Kayunga estates, which help absorb carbon dioxide.

The continued monitoring and assessment of the planted trees will contribute to long-term environmental sustainability and resilience in the region.