In a powerful move blending faith, industry, and environmental stewardship, the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) Ltd has teamed up with the Hoima Catholic Diocese to roll out an ambitious tree planting campaign under the national Running Out of Trees (ROOTS) initiative.
The nationwide campaign aims to plant 200 million trees in five years—40 million trees annually—symbolizing one tree for every Ugandan.
With environmental concerns at the forefront of global dialogue, this partnership signals a major step in aligning Uganda’s development with sustainability goals.
As part of its pledge, EACOP has committed to planting 150,000 indigenous and fruit-bearing trees across ten districts along the pipeline corridor.
This effort falls in line with the company’s Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) obligations and emphasizes the pipeline’s potential for green legacy—not just economic growth.
To make this vision a reality, EACOP will collaborate with faith-based institutions, schools, and cultural kingdoms. Institutional lands—often underutilized—will now serve as crucial planting zones.
This includes 70 acres from Hoima Catholic Diocese in Munteme (Itohya Forest), 70 acres from the Daughters of Mary (Bannabikira) in Masaka, 100 acres from the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary in Ggogonya, and another 100 acres offered by the Buganda Kingdom.
Speaking at the launch, John Bosco Habumugisha, Deputy Managing Director at EACOP Ltd, stressed the campaign’s far-reaching impact.
“Planting trees is more than just an environmental effort—it’s an investment in our future. Trees fight climate change, clean our air, conserve water, and protect our soils. This project is a core part of EACOP’s socio-economic investment in sustainability,” he noted.
Habumugisha urged Ugandans to embrace reforestation as a national responsibility.
“Let’s reflect on the role we each play in reducing deforestation and promoting sustainable living. Together, we can keep Uganda the ‘Pearl of Africa’—green, vibrant, and full of life.”
Rt. Rev. Vincent Kirabo Amooti, Bishop of Hoima Catholic Diocese, echoed the same commitment.
“This initiative is a true testament to what we can achieve when spiritual, economic, and environmental interests align.
Tree planting not only reduces our carbon footprint—it restores hope, enhances our landscapes, and protects biodiversity for future generations.”
This collaboration not only breathes new life into Uganda’s environmental landscape but also challenges major industry players to reimagine development. It sends a clear message: conservation and economic progress can walk hand in hand.
