On Saturday, 17 May 2025, the Commonwealth Scholarships and Fellowships Alumni Association of Uganda (CSFAAU) partnered with the Environment Club of Aga Khan University to hold a vibrant and impactful tree-planting event on the university’s campus in Kampala. The event brought together alumni, students, university leadership and environmental practitioners in a day of action, education and community building, all under the theme: “If the heat bothers you, plant a tree.”

The project was spearheaded by two dynamic members of the CSFAAU executive committee: Simon Golola (Publicity Secretary) and Catherine Tushabe (Events Coordinator). It was expertly moderated throughout the day by Patrick Michael Okeng, the CSFAAU Secretary, who served as MC and helped keep the programme both engaging and well-paced.

More than 200 fruit and shade trees were planted, thanks to a generous donation of seedlings by Roofings Group Ltd, with enthusiastic participation from students, alumni, university staff and environment practitioners.

Nurturing a Young Club, Guided by Strong Leadership

The day opened with a welcome from the President of the Environment Club, Nek Patrick James, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing student at Aga Khan University. He noted that the club is still in its first year, having been officially launched on 15 February 2025, and that it is a student-led initiative with a big vision for environmental impact. “Today’s event was very successful. Given the changing climate patterns, it’s a pleasure to come together for a cause that really matters.” He shared heartfelt thanks to all partners present that day, and promised that the club would continue the tree planting legacy. He also acknowledged the vital support of their club patron, Mr Cliff Asha Alega, a university lecturer who has played a tremendous role in mentoring the club.

In his welcome remarks, Mr Alega inspired the audience with background stories of his personal tree-planting habit that began many years ago while he was still a secondary school student. He spoke about the pride and joy that fills his heart when he returns to the grounds in Arua where a tree he planted in his childhood now offers shade and fruit to the community. He urged the audience to make tree planting a personal habit, and to inspire one’s neighbours to pick up the same habit. “We cannot continue to ignore the signs of climate change,” Mr Alega said. “Initiatives like this do more than beautify a space; they embed responsibility into the lives of young people.”

Linking Education to Environmental Stewardship

Crystal Rutangye-Bazirake, the Deputy Publicity Secretary of CSFAAU, delivered a thoughtful reflection on the link between education and long-term investment in people and the planet. “Both trees and scholarships are long-term investments. They need good soil, steady nurturing, and a bit of faith in the future.”

She highlighted that over 1,700 Ugandans have benefited from the Commonwealth Scholarship programme since its launch in 1959, returning to Uganda to contribute to national development in health, education, science, governance, humanities and many other economic sectors.

Alumni and Institutions Collaborate

Representing the British Council was Carol Kiconco, Programmes Coordinator for the Commonwealth Scholarships, who gave a warm overview of the scholarship scheme and invited all alumni present to introduce themselves. This created a moment of connection and inspiration as alumni from different fields stood one by one to share where they studied and what they do today – a testament to the programme’s far-reaching impact.

Climate Realities and Practical Solutions

One of the most memorable segments of the day was delivered by Henry Sendagire, Climate Resilience Coordinator at the Aga Khan Foundation Uganda, and a champion of micro-forests. In a compelling talk, he explained the pressing climate challenges Uganda faces. He shared daunting statistics, such as the fact that trees covering land the size of a football pitch are cut down every hour. “We plant micro-forests inspired by the Miyawaki method. These are small, dense forests of diverse species that do not compete with food production and fit right into the spaces we already live in, like schools and hospitals.”

After his talk, Mr Sendagire led the participants to the planting grounds, where he demonstrated how to plant the trees correctly, offering practical guidance such as: “Do not plant the same tree species next to each other – biodiversity is key.” He personally oversaw the planting process, ensuring that participants not only planted but also learned.

Remarks from Student Leaders and Practitioners

Later in the day, Aryon Innocent, Guild President of Aga Khan University, also a Bachelor of Science in Nursing student, addressed the gathering with a passionate reflection: “It is not just a tree planting activity: we are planting growth, sustainability, and a brighter future for our climate. People are cutting down trees for many reasons like resettlement, charcoal and gardening, but are forgetting to replace them. This will hurt our country and the world. So today, we are taking charge, one tree at a time.”

As participants later gathered to enjoy snacks and drinks after the planting exercise, Danson Asiimwe, a CSFAAU alumnus and President of the Environmental Practitioners of Uganda, delivered an encouraging word.

Danson, who studied a Master’s in Water and Environmental Management at Brighton University, currently works as an Environmental Safeguard Specialist supporting the World Bank–funded Uganda Digital Acceleration Project (UDAP). “Small activities like this create a big impact. I endorse the work this club is doing and I would be happy to engage further and connect you with other experts in the environmental field.”

A Day of Impact, Growth and Gratitude

The event closed with smiles, muddy hands and a shared sense of achievement. As trees took root, so too did new friendships, ideas and commitments. The Patron of Aga Khan University commended the initiative as “a model for how institutions, alumni and students can work together to lead positive change.”

CSFAAU extends its deepest gratitude to:

• Roofings Ltd for their generous donation
• The Environment Club and Mr Cliff Asha Alega for leading from within
• Carol Kiconco and the British Council for their support and presence
• Danson Asiimwe and all the alumni who turned up and spoke out
• And to every student, staff member and partner who made the day memorable.